Archbishop Arrested Amid Alleged Coup Plot in Armenia

Armenian authorities have arrested Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan and others for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan claims the arrests thwarted a takeover by a 'criminal-oligarchic clergy.' The confrontation highlights growing tensions between the government and the Armenian Apostolic Church ahead of upcoming elections.

In a sweeping crackdown, Armenian authorities have detained Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan and 13 others, charging them with conspiring to overthrow the government. The arrests were announced by Armenia's Investigative Committee, which accused Galstanyan and his associates of amassing tools to conduct a terrorist attack and seize power.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan revealed more details via his Telegram channel, asserting that authorities unraveled a 'large and sinister' coup orchestrated by the 'criminal-oligarchic clergy.' The development comes amid intensifying disputes between Pashinyan and the influential Armenian Apostolic Church, especially as the nation looks forward to elections next year.

Recently, Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan faced similar accusations of advocating government takeover. The arrest of Galstanyan, who led protests against Pashinyan tapping into public dissatisfaction over Azerbaijan's territorial gains, signifies mounting political tensions. The government alleges Galstanyan recruited over 1,000 individuals to create disorder and aim for a power grab.

(With inputs from agencies.)