Armenian opposition activist moved to house arrest

A Yerevan court has ruled to replace opposition activist Vahagn Chakhalyan’s detention with three-month house arrest starting March 4.

Judge Karen Farkhoyan announced the decision at a hearing on Thursday, adding the grounds for his detention had diminished.

Under the ruling, Chakhalyan must remain at the specified residence and is prohibited from receiving visitors other than close relatives, family members and his lawyers. His compliance will be monitored electronically.

Chakhalyan was detained in July as part of a criminal probe into an alleged coup attempt by the Holy Struggle movement.