Armenian court changes detention measures for Deacon Hakobyan

Armenian Deacon Hrayr Hakobyan has been released from pre-trial detention following a ruling by the country’s Criminal Court of Appeal.

Judge Vazgen Rshtuni ordered a change to Hakobyan’s detention conditions, replacing his two-month arrest with a travel restriction and administrative supervision, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

Deacon Hrayr Hakobyan, a member of the Armenian Apostolic Church, was arrested on June 26, 2025, as part of a broader crackdown by the Armenian government on individuals accused of plotting to overthrow Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's administration.

The Investigative Committee of Armenia charged Hakobyan with involvement in a conspiracy to stage a coup, alongside other prominent figures, including Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, leader of the opposition movement "Sacred Struggle."

The authorities allege that these individuals orchestrated plans to disrupt national stability through coordinated acts of terrorism and civil unrest. 

The government's actions have sparked significant controversy and public debate. Critics argue that the arrests are politically motivated, aiming to suppress dissent and consolidate power ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections.

Legal representatives of the accused, including Hakobyan, have denied the charges, describing them as baseless and lacking substantive evidence.

By Aghakazim Guliyev