On June 25, a major twist occurred in Armenia’s ongoing political crisis: Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, spiritual leader of the “Tavush for the Sake of the Homeland” (Sacred Struggle) movement, was arrested on charges of plotting to overthrow Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. In recent months, Galstanyan has led mass anti-government protests in Yerevan and other cities across the country.

According to the Investigative Committee, Galstanyan allegedly created a structure prepared to seize power by force, securing the support of more than 1,000 retired military personnel and law enforcement officers. Authorities claim that the conspirators discussed plans to block key transportation and communication hubs and considered actions resembling terrorism.

As evidence, fragments of intercepted audio recordings have been released, in which the technical details of the alleged plot are reportedly discussed.

The arrest of the archbishop is part of a broader wave of detentions targeting influential figures close to the Armenian Apostolic Church. Previously, prominent businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan—one of the country's largest investors in infrastructure and charitable projects—was placed under investigation. Commentators see these moves as a possible attempt to weaken the political-religious alliance opposing the government's pro-Western orientation.

The Church has so far refrained from making official statements, but tensions are rising within society. The accusations against Galstanyan have sparked protests among his supporters, while Prime Minister Pashinyan has accused the clergy of “shadowy intrigues and unacceptable interference in state affairs.”

This escalation is unfolding against the backdrop of Armenia’s active efforts to forge new foreign policy alliances, particularly with the European Union and Turkey, while distancing itself from Russia and traditional CSTO partners. This shift has deepened internal divisions, as some in Armenian society view Pashinyan’s reforms as a break from the nation’s historical and spiritual roots.

Observers expect the protests to continue and pressure on the opposition to intensify. The situation in Armenia remains unstable, and developments in the coming weeks could determine the future direction of the country’s political transformation.

#ARMENIA

26.06.2025 05:58