Armenian opposition MP visits jailed archbishop

Armenian opposition lawmaker Tigran Abrahamyan has visited jailed Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan at Yerevan's Kentron Penitentiary.

Writing on social media after the visit on Tuesday, Abrahamyan, a member of the Pativ Unem faction, accused the authorities of deliberately targeting opposition figures ahead of the June elections.

“In these critical times, it is becoming increasingly clear why the archbishop remains behind bars,” the MP wrote, adding the timing of his arrest was not accidental.

Abrahamyan alleged that the government had prepared lists in advance of individuals to be pressured or detained, including opposition politicians, businesspeople and influential regional figures.

“Archbishop Bagrat’s will, determination and uncompromising struggle continue to inspire the collective fight of the opposition even from prison,” he said, calling for the release of all political prisoners.

Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan has been held in detention since his arrest on June 25, 2025. He faces several criminal charges, including conspiracy to commit terrorism, organizing mass unrest and plotting a violent overthrow of the government.

Galstanyan has rejected the accusations as politically motivated.