Mediation Delayed: Clergy's Phones Under Active Scrutiny

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has delayed the mediation for the return of personal belongings belonging to the clergy of the Aragatsotn Diocese and their family members. According to information from the "Jhoghovurd" daily, the investigative body has refused to return the clergy's phones, tablets belonging to their children, and other confiscated items, as these are still under examination by law enforcement.

Recall that during the searches conducted on October 15, not only the phones of the clergy but also those of their family members, children's tablets, and other personal belongings were seized. Lawyers have noted that among them were personal and family materials that are not related to the criminal case.

On that same day, the bishop of the Aragatsotn Diocese, Mkrtich Proshyan, the spiritual shepherd of the Sagmosavank, Father P'aren Khachatur, as well as three staff members of the diocese—an accountant, a tax collector, and a reference officer—were arrested. In total, 12 clergymen were detained. On the day of the incident, the whereabouts of Father Hambardzum, Father Narek, Father Sargis, Father Oshiny, and Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan were unknown for some time.

The Investigative Committee reported that a criminal case had been initiated regarding the use of "governmental or service powers or the influence derived from them to obstruct or coerce gatherings, as well as materially incentivizing participation in or abstention from them." Despite the petitions, the investigative body has not returned the confiscated items even after more than two weeks.

Lawyers have appealed to the Prosecutor General and the head of the Investigative Committee, but have yet to receive a response. According to them, the retention of personal belongings has no legal basis and violates the principle of personal inviolability.