Request to Extend the Detention Period of Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan Submitted

During the first court session of the case against Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan of the Aragatsotn Diocese, the prosecuting attorney has requested to extend the bishop's detention period by another three months. The prosecution stated that there is a high likelihood that Mkrtich Proshyan could obstruct the criminal proceedings, including illegal interference with the evidence process, while being at liberty.

"The available factual data in the case is sufficient to justify the necessity of keeping the defendant in custody at this stage, and there are no circumstances that would warrant applying a different preventive measure. In this specific case, alternative preventive measures are not suitable for achieving the prosecutorial goals," said the prosecuting attorney.

Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan is accused of committing a serious crime, for which imprisonment is exclusively stipulated for a term of 4 to 8 years. Roman Aharonyan, one of Proshyan's defense attorneys, stated that currently, the grounds for both detention and any preventive measure have been removed. He claims that there has been only one theoretical ground regarding possible influence on witnesses, but there are no witnesses in the case.

The defense noted that there are theoretically injured parties, Aramayis Takhmazyan and Stepan Asatryan, who are under state protection, and it is unfounded to assume that they may change their testimonies under the influence of the bishop. "At this moment, there is no basis for any preventive measure; the detention should be lifted immediately," stated Aharonyan.

Members of the diocese's clergy attended the court in support of Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan. Also present in the courtroom were Stepan Asatryan and Aramayis Takhmazyan, former clergy Ter Aram and Ter Taden, who are the injured parties in the case.

It is noted that Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan was arrested on October 16 for a duration of two months, which was later extended for another two months. He is accused of two charges: obstructing electoral rights by using official powers and coercing participation in meetings, again using those same powers.