Detained archbishop sues senior Armenian officials for slander

Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, the detained leader of the Holy Struggle movement, has filed defamation lawsuits against several top Armenian officials and political figures, including Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan, ruling Civil Contract party MP Vahagn Aleksanyan, pro-Western Republic Party Chairman Aram Sargsyan, his teammate and Yerevan City Council member Ani Khachatryan and others.

According to DataLex data, Galstanyan sued Vahagn Aleksanyan on July 19, demanding 6 million drams (approximately $15,000) in moral damages – 3 million for defamation and 3 million for insult. The case has been assigned to judge Hovhannes Ghazaryan.

On the same day, a separate claim was filed against Anahit Avanesyan, with Galstanyan seeking 3 million drams in compensation – 1 million for defamation and 2 million for insult. That case is being handled by judge Daniel Mkheyan.

A third lawsuit was filed against Aram Sargsyan on July 20, with the archbishop demanding 3 million drams in compensation for defamation and insult. Judge David Sargsyan is overseeing the case.

Further claims were filed against Ani Khachatryan and Hayk Sahakyan, each seeking 3 million drams in similar moral damages. Judge Artush Avagyan is handling the cases.