Armenian bishop released from custody, placed under house arrest

An Armenian court on Thursday ordered the release of Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, head of the Aragatsotn Diocese, from pre-trial detention, replacing it with house arrest.

Proshyan had been held since October 16, 2025, with his detention extended several times. The case involves allegations of coercing participation in elections and rallies through abuse of power. Two former clerics, Aramayis Takhmazyan and Stepan Asatryan, have been recognized as victims in the proceedings.

The bishop denies wrongdoing. His lawyer, Ara Zohrabyan, confirmed the court decision, which was handed down by judge David Dabaghyan of the Aragatsotn First Instance Court.