Armenian archbishop faces trial over call to oust PM Pashinyan

Armenia’s Investigative Committee has completed its probe into Archbishop Mikael Ajapahian, who is accused of publicly calling for the violent overthrow of the government.

The case, including the indictment, has been sent to the prosecutor for referral to court, Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media.

According to investigators, Ajapahian stated in an interview that he had urged former Armenian presidents to stage a military coup using loyal generals from the army, police, and national security services.

The committee claims that the archbishop used media platforms to make public appeals for the unconstitutional seizure of power.

Based on these remarks, a criminal case was launched under Article 422, Part 2 of Armenia’s Criminal Code, which relates to public calls for the violent alteration of the constitutional order.

Ajapahian was arrested on June 28 and remains in custody under a two-month detention order.

Before entering the building, he denounced the arrest as “lawlessness,” claiming the real threat lies within the government.

His lawyer, Ara Zohrabyan, said the Archbishop cooperated despite objecting to the manner of the detention.

The move comes amid a wider investigation into an alleged plot to seize power, targeting the “Holy Struggle” group and its leader Bagrat Galstyan. Authorities claim the group planned terrorist acts; several members remain in pre-trial detention.

The case is now headed to court for further proceedings.

By Aghakazim Guliyev