Senior Armenian cleric detained for two months

Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan, head of the Shirak Diocese, has been detained for two months.

Judge Masis Melkonyan of the Yerevan Court of General Jurisdiction granted a motion for his detention last night.

The senior cleric has been charged with making public calls to seize power and overthrow the constitutional order.

“The court ruled to detain the archbishop for two months and restricted his contacts, allowing communication only with his close relatives and legal team,” attorney Ara Zohrabyan said.

He condemned the court’s decision as "blatantly unlawful and baseless", unveiling plans to appeal it.

Adjapahyan is expected to be transferred to the Nubarashen Penitentiary.