Armenian authorities accuse opposition cleric of plotting armed coup

Armenia’s Investigative Committee has accused Archbishop Bagrat Galstyan, the leader of the nationalist-revanchist group “Holy Struggle,” of orchestrating a plan to overthrow the government through terrorism and illegal force.

The Committee alleges that Galstyan, starting in November 2024, pursued the goal of regime change through unconstitutional means, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media sources.

He reportedly secured the approval of several allies within the movement and began acquiring the tools and resources needed to carry out coordinated terrorist attacks aimed at seizing power.

“In preparation for the usurpation of authority, he intentionally created conditions for carrying out terrorist acts and power seizure as part of an organised group,” the official statement said.

Investigators claim Galstyan’s plan involved forming approximately 200 so-called “strike groups,” each consisting of 25 former military personnel and police officers. These units were allegedly to be positioned across various towns throughout Armenia.

The plot reportedly called for these strike teams to act simultaneously at a predetermined hour under Galstyan’s direction, creating widespread disorder and panic. At the same time, the group’s supporters were to organise public rallies and demonstrations to distract authorities and further destabilise the situation.

The investigation into Galstyan and his associates is ongoing, as authorities examine the full extent of the alleged conspiracy.

By Tamilla Hasanova