Yerevan’s court orders two-month detention for Armenian archbishop

Ara Zograbyan, the lawyer representing Head of the Shirak Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Archbishop Mikael Ajapahian, has confirmed that the archbishop was detained for two months following a ruling by the Yerevan Court of First Instance. 

The defense team has announced plans to appeal the court’s decision. Initial information suggests that the archbishop will be transferred to the Nubarashen penitentiary facility, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media. 

Ajapahian faces accusations of publicly calling for the overthrow of Armenia’s government, charges that have drawn significant public and political attention.

The archbishop was detained by Armenia’s National Security Service (NSS) following a dramatic standoff. The arrest was carried out after the archbishop voluntarily appeared at the Investigative Committee building in Yerevan, escorted by NSS special forces. 

By Naila Huseynova