Armenia is facing a deepening political crisis following a series of high-profile arrests linked to an alleged coup plot against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government. Over the past week, authorities have detained prominent opposition figures, including top clerics from the influential Armenian Apostolic Church, accusing them of orchestrating a violent attempt to overthrow the government. These developments mark an unprecedented escalation in the ongoing power struggle between Pashinyan's administration and the Church leadership, which has emerged as a key critic of the government after Armenia's military defeats and territorial losses to Azerbaijan.
Arrest of Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan and Others
The crackdown began on June 25 with the arrest of Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, a leading figure in the opposition movement Holy Struggle (formerly Tavush for the Motherland). Galstanyan, who serves as primate of the Diocese of Tavush, has been a vocal critic of Pashinyan and led large-scale protests last year demanding the prime minister's resignation. Authorities accuse him of masterminding a plot to destabilize Armenia through terrorist acts and a coup d’état.
According to Armenia's Investigative Committee, Galstanyan and 14 others were detained after being found in possession of weapons, explosives, and other materials intended for attacks on critical infrastructure, including street electrical wiring and internet cables. The group allegedly recruited over 1,000 individuals, mostly former soldiers and police officers, organizing them into strike teams tasked with blocking roads, inciting violence, and disrupting communications to facilitate the seizure of power. Audio recordings released by investigators purportedly capture discussions of the coup plans, including references to deadly attacks and insults directed at Armenians. However, opposition figures have questioned the authenticity of the recordings, suggesting possible manipulation or AI generation.
Prime Minister Pashinyan described the foiled plot as a "large and nefarious scheme" orchestrated by a "criminal-oligarchic clergy" aiming to destabilize the republic. He shared details of the investigation on social media, emphasizing the seriousness of the threat and the government's commitment to preserving stability ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections.
Detention of Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan and Clashes
The crackdown intensified on June 28 with the arrest of Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan, another senior cleric accused of inciting the public to remove the government forcibly. Ajapahyan's detention sparked clashes between security forces and supporters at the Armenian Apostolic Church's headquarters near Yerevan. Footage circulated on social media showed confrontations between police and clergy members, accompanied by the ringing of cathedral bells as a symbol of protest.
Ajapahyan, who voluntarily appeared before the Investigative Committee, condemned the government's actions as "lawlessness" and denied posing any threat to the nation, instead accusing the government itself of endangering Armenia's stability. A court ordered his pre-trial detention for two months, a decision his lawyers described as "unlawful and baseless," with plans to appeal.
Broader Political and Religious Context
These arrests come amid escalating tensions between Prime Minister Pashinyan and the Armenian Apostolic Church, which has become one of the most vocal opponents of the government. The Church's head, Catholicos Garegin II, has openly called for Pashinyan's resignation following Armenia's devastating defeat in the 2020 war with Azerbaijan and the subsequent loss of Nagorno-Karabakh, a region with a long history of conflict and separatism.
The friction has extended beyond political rhetoric to personal attacks and public controversies. Earlier this month, Pashinyan accused Catholicos Garegin II of violating his vows of celibacy and demanded his resignation, prompting a sharp backlash from the Church. Pashinyan even proposed a controversial plan to elect a new church leader, challenging the constitutional separation of Church and state. The Church responded by accusing the prime minister of threatening Armenia's spiritual unity.
The opposition movement Holy Struggle, led by Galstanyan, originated as a protest against border delimitation with Azerbaijan in the Tavush region and evolved into a broader anti-government campaign. The movement attracted thousands of supporters, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with Pashinyan's handling of national security and territorial integrity. The government's recent arrests are seen as an attempt to dismantle this opposition network before the upcoming elections.
Related Arrests and Security Measures
The coup plot allegations also connect to the arrest of Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan earlier this month. Karapetyan, a powerful oligarch who controlled Armenia's national power grid, was detained on charges of inciting attempts to seize power. His arrest, along with the dismissal of the head of the National Security Service, signaled a consolidation of government control over security forces, enabling more decisive actions against opposition figures.
The government claims the coup was planned for Armenia's Independence Day on September 21, aiming to create chaos and seize control. It alleges coordination with external actors, including Russian representatives, though Moscow has described the matter as an internal Armenian issue and emphasized its interest in regional stability.
Opposition Response and International Reactions
Opposition parties and clerical defenders reject the coup allegations, labeling them as politically motivated fabrications designed to suppress dissent and silence critics of Pashinyan's rule. Some supporters have questioned the evidence presented by authorities, pointing out inconsistencies such as documents dated from the previous year and the use of hunting weapons with spent ammunition as supposed terrorist tools.
International observers have noted the potential risks to Armenia's fragile democracy and the importance of transparent legal processes. The situation remains volatile, with the government determined to maintain order while facing growing domestic and international scrutiny.
Armenia's recent arrests of prominent clerics and opposition figures underscore the deep political and social divisions gripping the country. The alleged coup plot and ensuing crackdown highlight the complex interplay of religion, politics, and national identity in a nation still grappling with the aftermath of military defeat and ongoing regional tensions.
Moscow's Reaction
In response to the unfolding crisis, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on June 29, "This is an internal matter of Armenia; this is the first one, and we do not want to interfere in these internal affairs in any way." This statement reflects Russia's position of non-interference, emphasizing the importance of stability in the region while maintaining a cautious distance from Armenia's internal dynamics.