Relatives, supporters urge protection of teenage brothers charged after Yerevan church incident

Relatives, classmates and supporters of teenage twins Davit and Mikayel Minasyan have appealed to the Armenian authorities not to jeopardize the boys’ future after criminal charges were filed against them and another man following a Palm Sunday service attended by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on March 29.

In an open letter released on Tuesday, supporters described the brothers as “bright, patriotic and disciplined” students from an apolitical family, highlighting their academic achievements and regular participation in the Armenian Apostolic Church.

The letter said the boys were caught in a crowd surge at Yerevan's St. Anna Church and insisted they had no intent to harm anyone. It emphasized that the brothers have never engaged in violence or political activity.

The appeal urged officials to consider the teenagers’ character and potential, stressing that they “can become valuable members of society and the state”.