Armenian authorities confirm arrested clergy planned terror acts

Armenia’s Investigative Committee has confirmed that individuals arrested in connection with the alleged attempted coup planned acts of terrorism and the seizure of police buildings, highlighting the gravity of the case.

Artur Poghosyan, Head of the Investigative Committee, made the remarks during budget hearings in parliament while responding to questions from opposition MP Anna Grigoryan, Caliber.Az reports.

Grigoryan challenged the authorities, claiming that the arrested individuals, including members of the clergy, were being falsely implicated in plotting a coup based on statements in a recorded phone conversation of Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, in which he allegedly mentioned the need to “take out two or three people.” She questioned why such evidence had not been publicly released, suggesting the authorities were using selective excerpts to intimidate the public.

Poghosyan rejected the characterization of the recording as a “wiretap,” noting that no official investigation into wiretapping had been conducted, though he did not specify how the conversation was obtained. He stressed, however, that the evidence indicates the statements were made intentionally and in the context of broader plans.

According to Poghosyan, detailed materials recovered during searches explicitly use the term “terrorism” and outline actions targeting buildings, including police facilities. “I don’t want to get ahead of myself before the investigation concludes, but during the public trial, all facts will be revealed,” he said.

The case involves 18 members of the “Sacred Struggle” movement, who are being investigated for “preparing a terrorist act and attempting to seize power.” Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, the movement’s leader, and his supporters were arrested at the end of June. The Investigative Committee stated at the time that the arrests prevented an attempted armed takeover of power.

By Vafa Guliyeva