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Yerevan Court Extends Archbishop Bagrat’s Detention by Three Months

The court cited continuing risks, highlighting a case that has sharpened Armenia’s church–state confrontation.

Overview

  • The judge, Karen Farkhoyan, ruled that the previously stated grounds for custody still apply and declined to consider an alternative measure.
  • Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, a leading figure of the opposition movement Sacred Struggle, was arrested in late June on accusations including preparation of terrorism and attempted usurpation of power.
  • Authorities say 18 people are implicated in the broader case, with 17 in custody and one under supervision with a travel ban, according to the Investigative Committee.
  • In a separate proceeding, the defense of Archbishop Mikael Adzhapahyan filed an appeal seeking to overturn his two-year conviction for public calls to overthrow the government.
  • Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan previously amplified claims of a planned power grab in a June 24 post referencing Civic.am, while defendants and their supporters describe the prosecutions as political persecution.