Armenia arrests 14 in alleged coup plot, over 90 searches conducted nationwide

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has announced the detention of 14 individuals in connection with an alleged coup attempt.

The arrests followed a sweeping law enforcement operation conducted on the morning of June 25, during which more than 90 searches were carried out across the country, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

Authorities seized a range of items believed to be linked to the alleged plot. These included weapons, ammunition, action plans, lists of recruited individuals, metal objects, firecrackers, smoke bombs, military gear, radio communication equipment, drones, and substances resembling narcotics.

Investigators also uncovered documents listing individuals purportedly nominated for government posts in the event of a successful overthrow.

Based on a request by the lead investigator, the supervising prosecutor approved the initiation of criminal proceedings against 16 individuals, 14 of whom are currently under arrest.

The arrests stem from a coordinated series of raids targeting individuals associated with the revanchist “Tavush for the Homeland” movement, also known as the “Holy Struggle.” Among the locations searched was the residence of the group’s leader, Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan — a prominent cleric known for his vocal criticism of the Armenian government, particularly its border delimitation negotiations with Azerbaijan.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the situation in a Facebook post, accusing "criminal-oligarchic-clerical circles" of attempting to orchestrate a coup. He noted that the attempt failed due to the timely intervention of law enforcement.

The developments come amid heightened political tensions in Armenia, where opposition factions and segments of the powerful Armenian Apostolic Church have strongly criticised Pashinyan’s leadership, especially over his government’s foreign policy stance, efforts to normalise relations with Türkiye and Azerbaijan, and the management of ties with Russia.

By Tamilla Hasanova