Another Armenian Archbishop Detained on Charges of Inciting Government Overthrow

Abp. Mikael Ajapakhyan of the Armenian Apostolic Church. [CREDIT: https://en.apa.az]

YEREVAN — Archbishop Mikael Ajapahian, head of the Shirak Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, has been detained by Armenian authorities on serious charges of attempting to overthrow the government. His attorney, Ara Zograbian, confirmed that criminal proceedings have been initiated and that investigators have formally requested his arrest.

“We took part in the investigation,” Zograbian stated. “Criminal charges were brought against Archbishop Mikael Ajapahian under Part 2, Article 422 of Armenia’s Criminal Code.” He added that the investigator has already petitioned the court for his client’s arrest, with a decision expected within 24 hours.

The lawyer stressed that Archbishop Mikael has not admitted any guilt.

The arrest follows swiftly on the heels of a criminal case opened by the Armenian Prosecutor General’s Office on June 26. Authorities accuse the archbishop of publicly calling for the overthrow of the constitutional order — a grave allegation in Armenia’s volatile political climate.

According to reports, law enforcement officials arrived early on June 27 at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church, to detain Archbishop Mikael.

This is the second high profile arrest of leading clergy of the Armenian Apostolic Church — which is currently locked in conflict with Armenia's Prime Minister, Nikol Pashanyan. The developments have sent shockwaves through the Armenian Church and broader society, though no official statement has yet been released by church leadership.

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