High School Student Arrested After Church Confrontation With PM Pashinyan

A high school student has been placed under pre-trial detention in Armenia after an incident at Saint Anna Church in which he attempted to strike Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The case has drawn widespread public attention, not only because of the student’s age, but also due to the deeper social tensions reflected in the confrontation.

The incident comes against the backdrop of years of national trauma following the 2020 war and the subsequent loss of Artsakh, also known as Nagorno-Karabakh. Many young people in Armenia have grown up during a period marked by war, loss, and displacement. Families across the country have lost fathers, brothers, uncles, teachers, and friends, leaving a lasting psychological impact on a generation that has lived through conflict and uncertainty.

In this context, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has become a deeply polarizing figure. For some, he represents leadership during a difficult period. For others, particularly those directly affected by the war and the displacement of more than 120,000 Armenians from Artsakh, he is seen as politically responsible for the outcome and its consequences. This perception has contributed to rising frustration and emotional reactions, especially among younger individuals who have experienced these events during their formative years.

According to information provided by the defense, Davit Minasyan, a 12th-grade student and one of two twin brothers detained in connection with the incident, has been ordered by a court to remain in custody for two months. The court approved the investigator’s request for detention. His lawyer told reporters that the reasoning behind the court’s decision has not yet been provided.

“The court’s reasoning has not yet been provided. The charges have been brought under two articles. Each article carries a sentence of 2 to 5 years. We will do everything to ensure that this child is not kept there. The court did not take anything into account. They said Davit will be taken to the Armavir penitentiary institution,” said the lawyer.

The defense also stated that earlier on the same day, law enforcement officers carried out another search at the family’s home. During the search, the phone of the boys’ mother was seized. It was noted that nothing had been found during a previous search.

After learning about her son’s detention, Davit Minasyan’s mother reportedly felt unwell in the courtyard of the court building. She was later taken to a hospital by ambulance.

The incident that led to the arrests took place on March 29 at Saint Anna Church, where the Prime Minister attended a church service alongside many worshippers. As he attempted to leave the church accompanied by security personnel, a young man became upset and told him not to push.

“Don’t look at me like that,” the young man said, before attempting to strike the Prime Minister. Pashinyan reportedly instructed his security personnel not to respond. Following the incident, two individuals were detained.

On March 31, Davit’s brother, Mikael Minasyan, was released. A restriction on leaving the country has been applied to him as a preventive measure.

Earlier, Armenia’s Investigative Committee reported that criminal proceedings were launched following the March 29 incident. Public criminal prosecution has been initiated against multiple individuals.

Davit Minasyan has been charged under Article 297, Part 1 of the Criminal Code, which relates to hooliganism, and Article 452, Part 3, which concerns interference with the lawful official or political activities of a public official.

His brother, Mikael Minasyan, has been charged under Articles 46-297, Part 1 (assisting hooliganism) and 46-452, Part 3 (assisting interference with the lawful official or political activities of a public official). Another individual, identified as G.G., faces charges under Articles 46-297, Part 1 (organizing hooliganism) and 46-452, Part 3 (organizing interference with the lawful official or political activities of a public official).

Criminal prosecution has also been initiated against public figure Gevorg Gevorgyan in connection with the same case. He has been released on bail set at 5 million drams ($12,650) and is subject to a restriction on leaving the country.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

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