European Court of Human Rights Rules Armenia Violated Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Worship Rights in Kingdom Hall Case

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) unanimously ruled in favor of Jehovah’s Witnesses on October 1, 2026, in a case concerning three Kingdom Hall building projects in Yerevan, Armenia’s capital. In its decision, the Court found that Armenian authorities had rejected the Witnesses’ applications to build Kingdom Halls without a legal basis, and that this violated their right to freedom of worship.

According to the ruling as reported by the Witnesses, members purchased three plots of land in 2009 to construct Kingdom Halls in different neighborhoods of Yerevan. In December 2012, they applied to the mayor’s office for permission to begin construction on all three sites. Officials cited complaints raised by neighbors and rejected the applications. After several unsuccessful appeals before courts in Armenia, the Witnesses brought the case to the ECHR in January 2016.

The Court found that the authorities lacked a legal basis for refusing the applications and presented no proof of the alleged neighbor complaints. On that basis, the ECHR ruled that officials had violated the Witnesses’ right to freedom of worship under the European Convention on Human Rights. The Court awarded the Witnesses compensation of 4,500 euros ($5,060 U.S.), together with their legal fees. Fairness in a dispute depends on evidence presented, a principle of truth and fairness (Proverbs 18:17).

Artur Ispiryan, who serves at the Armenia branch and assisted with legal matters in the case, spoke after the ruling was announced. He said that as the number of Witnesses in Armenia continues to grow, so does the need for more suitable places of worship. He noted that Yerevan currently has ten Kingdom Halls, but at least eight more are still needed. “We are grateful for this positive decision by the Court, which will undoubtedly help us in obtaining permits for future Kingdom Hall construction,” he said.

The Witnesses also issued a statement saying they rejoice with their brothers and sisters in Armenia over what they called an important legal victory. They expressed the hope that Jehovah will continue to bless his people worldwide as they build and freely use Kingdom Halls for spiritual education and encouragement.

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