Nikol Pashinyan Faces Allegations of Systemic Democratic Deterioration

Critics and political opponents have accused Nikol Pashinyan of orchestrating a systemic deterioration of democracy and violating the Armenian Constitution. The allegations center on the Prime Minister's reported interference with the judiciary and the Armenian Apostolic Church, as well as the illegal transfer of portions of Artsakh to Azerbaijan under a 2020 agreement signed with Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev.

Recent political unrest follows the June 7, 2026, elections, during which hundreds of opponents were reportedly detained and their properties confiscated without trial. Further criticism targets a July law requiring residency for voting rights, which critics claim disenfranchises overseas citizens. Opponents argue that domestic judicial institutions are now entirely loyal to the administration, leaving affected citizens with no domestic recourse.

In response to the lack of internal judicial independence, critics are urging Armenians to seek justice through the European Court of Human Rights. They highlight that Pashinyan himself previously used the international court to secure damages from the Armenian government, suggesting it as the only viable path for those seeking relief from constitutional violations.