In a new development in the cases of top-ranking clergy in Armenia facing prosecution, the Primate of the Aragatsotn Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, along with six other priests, was arrested on October 15.
Bishop Proshyan has been formally charged, his lawyer Ara Zohrabyan told reporters. He is accused under articles related to obstructing or compelling participation in lawful gatherings and interfering with electoral rights. Zohrabyan said that Proshyan does not accept the charges brought against him.
“Investigative actions are currently underway, after which a motion for pretrial detention will be submitted to the court. The court is scheduled to review the motion today,” the lawyer added.
Zohrabyan later confirmed in a Facebook post that the detained clergymen include Fathers Parren, Manuk, Hayk, Mkrtich, Ghevond, and Hayk Kocharyan.
Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, nephew of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, is the third diocesan head in Armenia to face prosecution in recent months, following the arrests of Archbishops Mikael Ajapahyan and Bagrat Galstanyan, amid what the Church denounces as a widening campaign against its leaders.
Earlier this month, Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, head of the Shirak Diocese, was sentenced to two years in prison for “public calls to overthrow the constitutional order and seize power by force.” Meanwhile, the trial of Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, head of the Tavush Diocese, continues on charges of organizing terrorism and attempting to seize power.
Lawyer Armine Fanyan, part of the defense team representing the clergy, told reporters that five of the priests had already been released from the Investigative Committee after refusing to testify without the presence of legal counsel.
Earlier in the day, investigators searched the residences of the detained priests — a move their lawyers described as heavy-handed and unnecessary.
According to preliminary information, the arrests may be connected to statements made by Father Aram Asatryan, the spiritual leader of Hovhannavank Monastery, during an interview with Public Television in September. In that interview, Father Aram spoke about internal problems within the Church and said that he had participated in opposition rallies in 2021 “not of his own will.”
Spokesperson for the Investigative Committee Kima Avdalyan stated that criminal proceedings had been initiated on charges related to “using official authority or influence to obstruct, compel, or materially incentivize participation or non-participation in a public gathering.” She added that procedural and investigative measures are underway as part of the ongoing probe.
The NGO Union of Informed Citizens released a statement confirming that it had submitted the initial report to the Prosecutor General’s Office, requesting a criminal investigation into the claims made by Father Aram during his interview.
“In his interview on Public Television on September 16, Father Aram, the spiritual pastor of Hovhannavank, stated that in 2021, there had been coercion within the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church to participate in the pre-election rallies of one of the political forces,” the organization said.
“Since forcing someone to participate in rallies is a prohibited act under both the old and new Criminal Codes, the Union of Informed Citizens submitted a crime report to the Prosecutor General’s Office on September 17, requesting an investigation into this public statement.
“We have no other information or details about the alleged crime or its possible perpetrators,” the statement concluded.
In response, the Armenian Apostolic Church issued a statement through the Mother See’s Information System, noting that, according to current information, the Primate of the Aragatsotn Diocese and 12 priests had been taken into custody.
It also stated that for several hours, the whereabouts of Bishop Proshyan and several priests — including Fathers Sargis Sargsyan, Narek Sargsyan, Oshin Hayrapetyan, Hambardzum Danielyan, and Vrtanes Baghalyan — were unknown, leaving them without access to legal assistance.
“The unlawful criminal prosecution carried out against the head of the Aragatsotn Diocese, its priests, and staff members is yet another manifestation of the systematic anti-Church campaign initiated by the authorities. Through such condemnable actions, a clear malicious intent is being pursued to obstruct the normal functioning of the Church, undermine its authority, and spread an atmosphere of fear and anxiety among clergy, believers, and the broader public,” the statement read.
“By resorting to repressive measures characteristic of totalitarian systems, the Armenian authorities are grossly violating the right to freedom of religion, offending the religious sentiments of believers, and continuing to spread hatred that deepens public division,” it continued.
The Church called on its clergy and faithful not to yield to provocations and to remain steadfast in defending the Church, adding that “no deceit, threats, or repressions can break the spirit of its spiritual servants and the faithful nation.”
