Criminal Case Opened Against Archbishop Mikayel Saroyan

A criminal case has been initiated regarding a statement made by Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan, the head of the Shirak Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, suggesting that "a military coup is necessary in Armenia."

"The proceedings were initiated on June 17, 2025, under part 2 of Article 422 of the Criminal Code, which deals with public calls to seize power, violate territorial integrity, relinquish sovereignty, or violently overthrow the constitutional order," the Prosecutor's Office has reported.

The article pertains to public calls regarding the seizure of power, violation of territorial integrity, relinquishment of sovereignty, or violent overthrow of the constitutional order.

"The criminal proceedings were initiated on June 17, 2025, under part 2 of Article 422 of the Criminal Code," the Prosecutor's Office noted.

Earlier, Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan had publicly stated that a military coup should be carried out in Armenia.