Archbishop arrested for plotting to overthrow Armenian government

In Armenia, Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, a prominent leader of the Apostolic Church, was arrested on terrorism charges by the country's security services. This incident took place within the context of heightened political tension stemming from the recent handover of border villages to Azerbaijan, a decision that sparked significant protests in Armenia. Galstanyan is not only a religious figure but also leads an opposition movement known as the Sacred Struggle, which strongly opposes Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's policies. The arrest is part of broader crackdowns on opposition figures, as authorities detain others linked to various opposition movements. On the day of his arrest, the Investigative Committee accused Galstanyan of planning violent disruptions, including bombings and arson, intended to paralyze traffic and disrupt essential power supplies in Armenia. His lawyer denounced the charges, labeling them as fabricated and pointing out that authorities failed to find any substantial evidence apart from smoke bombs typically used in protests. This arrest not only reflects ongoing conflicts between the church and the government but also highlights the growing discontent in Armenia regarding Pashinyan's leadership and controversial decisions. Amid these tensions, the relationship between the Apostolic Church leadership and the state has soured, culminating in accusations made by Pashinyan against the church's leader, Catholicos Karekin II. The Prime Minister publicly called for Karekin's resignation, further intensifying the rift. Recent political events have resulted in further crackdowns, with over 13 other opposition activists also detained in a wave of police actions aimed at stifling dissent. As the political situation in Armenia evolves, the implications of these arrests may lead to increased unrest and calls for reform. The arrest of such a high-profile religious leader indicates a significant moment in Armenia's political landscape, with potential repercussions for the church and the government's capacity to manage the growing dissent within its borders.