Armenian Archbishop Arrested Amid Accusations of Coup Attempt
Armenia was rocked by a dramatic turn of events as Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, a leading figure in the Armenian Apostolic Church, was arrested along with 13 others on charges of plotting to overthrow the government. Authorities claim that Galstanyan and his associates had armed themselves with the necessary tools to carry out a terrorist attack aimed at seizing power.
Official Investigation and Charges
The nation’s Investigative Committee announced that criminal charges were filed against 16 individuals, including Galstanyan. While 14 have been detained so far, the identity of the others remains confidential. According to the authorities, the group had recruited over 1,000 people — mostly former military personnel and police officers — with intentions to disrupt public order by blocking roads, inciting violence, and disabling internet connectivity, all designed to destabilize the government.
Evidence presented includes audio recordings allegedly featuring conversations among Galstanyan and his followers discussing coup plans, alongside images of firearms and weaponry discovered during police searches.
Tensions Between Government and the Church
This arrest is just the latest episode in the escalating friction between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s administration and the influential Armenian Apostolic Church. In recent weeks, the two have exchanged intense accusations, especially as Armenia prepares for parliamentary elections next year.
The church has openly criticized Pashinyan, with several senior clerics calling for his resignation following Armenia’s military setbacks against Azerbaijan, including the loss of the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. Galstanyan has been a vocal figure in opposition, recently leading widespread protests demanding Pashinyan’s removal.
Political Backdrop and Implications
Pashinyan, who came to power in 2018 amid popular protests, has faced mounting pressure since the 2020 war with Azerbaijan and the subsequent loss of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023. The political climate is tense, with rising ceasefire violations along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.
The prime minister described the thwarted plot as a sinister conspiracy orchestrated by a “criminal-oligarchic clergy” seeking to grab power unlawfully. Meanwhile, legal representatives for Galstanyan argue that the government is unfairly criminalizing the archbishop to create a distraction and simulate a crackdown on terrorism.
Other High-Profile Detentions
Adding to the turmoil, Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan was detained last week on accusations of publicly calling for a takeover, after he condemned government actions against the church. Karapetyan denies any wrongdoing through his legal counsel.
Outlook for Armenia
As Armenia prepares for elections in June 2026, Pashinyan continues to push for peace negotiations with Azerbaijan, despite the frosty relations and increased ceasefire breaches. The current unrest highlights the fragile balance of power and the deep divisions within Armenian society as it navigates a challenging political landscape.
