I am used to pressure from the governments of various countries. I was arrested in Russia, I was banned from entering seven countries, I have been doing this work for 50 years. World-renowned lawyer and international human rights advocate Robert Amsterdam told this to reporters in Armenia on Monday, when asked whether he is afraid of possible pressure from the Armenian authorities.

It is clear that there can be pressure. But in order for this pressure to achieve its objective, there must be someone who will submit to this pressure. But those defending rights do not bend, Amsterdam explained.

He noted with regret that the authorities in some cases use the church for political purposes instead of treating it as an object of worship.

Amsterdam said he understands the sensitivity of the matter and that Armenia has Christian hostages in Azerbaijan. When people are hostages, governments should be allowed to deal with these matters, and we should all pray for their safe release and return, he noted.

The lawyer emphasized that he is taking a step towards the Armenian government to hold discussions.

Amsterdam said he had had meetings in the US with Armenian circles, but it will be necessary to hold meetings and discussions in Armenia also.

According to him, there is a need to make efforts, and time is needed to try to move the matter forward and protect Christians.

This special visit to Armenia by the aforesaid first-class international lawyer on political matters is linked to several high-profile cases in the country: the case of the archbishops, the pressure against the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the detention of Russian Armenian entrepreneur and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan.