Armenian court extends bishop's detention by one month

An Armenian court on Monday extended the pretrial detention of Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, head of the Aragatsotn Diocese, by one month, while lifting all previously imposed restrictions, the presiding judge said.

Judge Davit Dabaghyan announced the decision after returning from deliberations at a hearing in the Aragatsotn regional court of first instance.

Prosecutors had sought a three-month extension of Proshyan’s detention. He has been in custody since 16 October 2025, initially for two months, with the term subsequently extended once before.

Proshyan has been charged with coercing participation in elections or a referendum by abusing official or service-related influence, and with coercing participation in lawful or unlawful rallies through threats, blackmail or material inducement, also allegedly using official influence.

Two former clergymen, Aramais Takhmazyan and Stepan Asatryan, have been recognized as victims in the case.

The trial formally opened on Monday.