Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan heads to Investigative Committee with legal team

Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan and a team of lawyers, led by attorney Ara Zohrabyan, headed to the Investigative Committee following a tense standoff at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on Friday.

According to Zohrabyan, a regular clergy assembly had been scheduled well in advance at the Mother See, coordinated by Archbishop Mikayel. "The meeting had been planned over a month ago," he stated.

During the gathering, officers from the National Security Service (NSS) entered the premises of the Mother See to arrest the archbishop. The clergy present suggested the officers wait until the conclusion of the assembly for the archbishop to voluntarily appear before the Investigative Committee. However, the NSS rejected the proposal.

"Despite the disagreement, Archbishop Mikayel expressed his willingness to appear before the authorities," Zohrabyan explained. "However, as you witnessed, a large number of police and security forces were deployed there, sparking frustration among both clergy and citizens. Fortunately, no clashes occurred and the situation did not escalate into violence."

At one point, the archbishop attempted to reach a vehicle to head to the Investigative Committee but was unable to do so amid the commotion. Eventually, police and NSS officers withdrew from the Mother See premises.

“We are now heading to the Investigative Committee to participate in the necessary legal proceedings,” Zohrabyan added.