54 Investigators Involved in the Case of the Ararat Diocese Leader: Yerem Sargsyan

54 investigators are involved in the case against Mkrtych Bishop Proshyan, the leader of the Ararat Diocese. This was reported on the Facebook page of Yerem Sargsyan, one of the bishop's defenders.

"The case of Bishop Mkrtych is so 'state-important' that the investigative group consists of 54 investigators. 54 investigators, leaving aside their regular work, are engaged in matters concerning the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church," wrote Sargsyan.

It is noteworthy that in the case involving businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan, 53 investigators are also involved.

Recall that on the morning of October 15, law enforcement conducted a search at the residence of Mkrtych Bishop Proshyan, subsequently detaining him. Besides the bishop, 12 priests from the Ararat Diocese and staff members of the episcopal office were also detained. Later, the Investigative Committee reported that three individuals were arrested, among them the bishop. A public criminal prosecution has been initiated against him based on two articles of the Criminal Code: obstructing the exercise of electoral rights by using his official position, and coercing participation in gatherings by using governmental or official powers.

The motions for the detention of the Ararat Diocese leader, the chief of the episcopal office, Father Garegin Khamazanyan from the Mughni congregation, and the accountant of the episcopal office are being reviewed at the Yerevan City First Instance General Jurisdiction Criminal Court under the chairmanship of Judge Karen Farkhoyan.