Ursula von der Leyen’s office: justice must remain independent

PanARMENIAN.Net - The office of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued an official reply to a letter from Edmon Marukyan, leader of the Bright Armenia party, who had raised concerns over the arrests of businessman Samvel Karapetyan and Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan. Marukyan published the letter on Facebook.

The reply noted that the EU is closely monitoring developments but emphasized that the authority to examine such cases lies with Armenian institutions.

“The EU is following these developments with attention. However, jurisdiction in such matters belongs to the Armenian authorities, and proceedings are up to the domestic judicial system. Based on the fundamental principles at the heart of the EU-Armenia partnership, we expect Armenian justice and law enforcement to act independently, fairly, and responsibly, while upholding democratic principles and fundamental rights, including due legal process. Respect for these principles is a key element of regular dialogue between the EU and Armenian authorities,” the letter stated.

The response was signed by Derren Deryan, head of the European Commission’s division covering Georgia, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus.

On July 14, Marukyan had announced he sent letters to Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, urging them not to intervene in processes that could undermine Armenia’s democratic foundations. He specifically raised the cases of philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan and Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan of the Shirak Diocese.