Archbishop sues two more Armenian officials for defamation

Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, currently held in pre-trial detention, has filed separate defamation lawsuits against ruling Civil Contract party MP Arsen Torosyan and former State Oversight Service head Romanos Petrosyan, who has recently been appointed interim manager of the Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA).

According to Armenia’s Judicial Information System, Galstanyan is seeking 3 million drams (approximately $7,500) in damages from each defendant – 1 million drams for defamation and 2 million drams for insult.

The lawsuit against Romanos Petrosyan was submitted on July 24 and has been assigned to judge Anna Arzumanyan of the Kotayk General Jurisdiction Court.

A similar claim was filed against Arsen Torosyan on July 23 and will be heard by judge Daniel Mkheyan of the Yerevan General Jurisdiction Court.

Both lawsuits claim violations of Armenia’s constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights, invoking the right to protection of honor, dignity and reputation.

Earlier in July, Galstanyan filed similar lawsuits against other senior Armenian officials.