Pashinyan defends forceful removal of man from Hovhannavank

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said security officers removed a man from the Hovhannavank Monastery to ensure his safety after he shouted during an unauthorized liturgy led by a defrocked priest on October 26.

Pashinyan, who attended the ceremony, told reporters after Thursday’s cabinet meeting that the State Protection Service explained its decision as necessary to prevent possible aggression from the crowd.

During the ceremony, the man, identified as Hayk Dorunts, shouted, “A defrocked priest has no right to lead a liturgy." A security guard then covered his mouth and removed him from the church.