Armenian archbishop's residence searched amid criminal investigation

Law enforcement authorities started a search at the Shirak Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church early on Friday morning.

According to Investigative Committee spokesperson Kima Avdalyan, the operation is part of a criminal investigation into Shirak Diocese leader Mikayel Ajapahyan.

“Necessary investigative and procedural actions are being carried out at the residence of Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan,” she told Panorama.am.

The archbishop has been charged with making public calls for the usurpation of power.