UN experts challenge Armenia over 'Holy Struggle' case, question terrorism charges

United Nations human rights experts have formally challenged the Armenian government over terrorism and coup charges brought against Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan and 17 supporters of his protest movement known as the “Holy Struggle”.

In a communication dated May 11, 2026, the UN working group expressed concern over allegations of excessive force, arbitrary detention, and misuse of counterterrorism laws against protesters since May 2025. The experts said at least 109 individuals were affected, warning that the measures taken “appear not to be consistent with Armenia’s international human rights law obligations.”

Galstanyan’s lawyer, Tatevik Soghoyan, said in a social media post on Monday that the UN response underscores the “most disgraceful” case in Armenia’s judicial history. She insisted that the terrorism charges against the group known as the “18 Righteous Men” are baseless and politically motivated.