Clergy confront Armenian special forces in dramatic scene outside Catholicos’ residence VIDEO

Special Forces units of the National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia has arrived at the residence of Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, prompting a tense confrontation with members of the clergy.

This development was confirmed by Mihran Poghosyan, the lawyer of Archbishop Mikael Ajapahian, Primate of the Diocese of Shirak, who reported that NSS officers were present near the Catholicos’ residence, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

Eyewitnesses described a scuffle unfolding as masked NSS operatives attempted to forcibly enter the residence, only to be physically barred by clergymen determined to prevent their access. The standoff briefly escalated into an altercation before law enforcement forces withdrew from the immediate area.

The incident follows the initiation of criminal proceedings against Archbishop Mikael Ajapahian. Earlier this morning, authorities conducted searches at his residence in Gyumri. Archbishop Ajapahian was not present during the operation, as he was attending a meeting of priests in Etchmiadzin at the time.

Simultaneously, law enforcement agencies carried out investigative actions at the headquarters of the Diocese of Shirak in Gyumri. Authorities entered the prelacy building early this morning, sealing the premises while conducting searches related to an ongoing investigation. Archbishop Mikael Ajapahian, currently under scrutiny for allegedly promoting the overthrow of the government, was not present during the operation, as he was reportedly attending a meeting of priests in Etchmiadzin.

Supporters of Archbishop Ajapahian gathered outside the diocesan headquarters in a show of solidarity. During the course of the events, one individual was detained by police. Eyewitnesses noted that the detained person remained calm and engaged with officers by asking questions before being taken into custody.

The investigative actions concluded later in the day with the reopening of the diocesan residence doors. However, Archbishop Ajapahian’s legal representative, Tamara Yanjoyan, denounced the searches as unlawful and claimed that police officers impeded her entry into the premises.

By Vafa Guliyeva