Pashinyan Has Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan Arrested, Accuses Him of Plotting a Coup

In a major escalation of Armenia’s internal political crisis, law enforcement agents raided the home of Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, leader of the opposition-led Holy Struggle movement, early Wednesday morning. Masked officers from the National Security Service (NSS) escorted the cleric out of his residence and took him into custody while dozens of his supporters chanted in protest.

Authorities accuse Galstanyan of plotting terrorist acts and attempting to violently overthrow the government—allegations his legal team and supporters say are baseless and politically motivated.

The investigation, announced by Armenia’s Investigative Committee, claims Galstanyan—known in baptism as Vazgen Galstanyan—began preparing a so-called “usurpation of power” in November 2024, after his calls for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation failed to lead to government change. Officials allege that Galstanyan, with the help of unnamed associates, acquired materials and developed strategies aimed at paralyzing Armenia’s state systems.

According to the Committee, these preparations included forming small groups to block roads, disrupt electricity and internet services, and create general chaos to support anti-government protests. Authorities also claim they uncovered plans to install new leadership after what they describe as a “forcible” transfer of power.

Galstanyan, the former bishop of Tavush, emerged last year as one of the most prominent voices against Pashinyan’s territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. In May and June 2024, he led massive rallies in Yerevan, demanding the prime minister’s resignation. His movement quickly gained support across the political spectrum and energized the country’s disillusioned opposition.

But Galstanyan’s rise has also alarmed Armenia’s ruling authorities, who now accuse him and his followers of crossing a legal red line.

“This is nothing more than an attempt to silence dissent,” said opposition lawmaker Artur Sargsyan, whose home was also searched by NSS officers. “The government is afraid of its own people and is now criminalizing protest.”

Galstanyan, as he was taken away by security officers, defiantly addressed the government, saying, “Evil, listen carefully, you have very little time left. Wait a little longer, we’ll come.”

The crackdown was not limited to the archbishop. According to Armenia’s Investigative Committee, over 90 homes were searched nationwide, primarily those of members of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun) and other opposition groups.

Authorities reported that 16 individuals have been charged so far, with 14 currently under arrest. They claim to have discovered firearms, military gear, smoke bombs, communication devices, and detailed plans for disruptive activities. They also released audio recordings said to capture members of the Holy Struggle movement discussing their operations.

While the government points to this evidence as proof of a coordinated attempt to seize power illegally, critics argue that the materials were either planted or misrepresented.

“There were no weapons found in Galstanyan’s home,” said his attorney, Sergei Harutyunyan. “The accusations are built on fear, not fact. This is clearly political.”

Attorney Hovhannes Khudoyan was denied entry during the raid on the archbishop’s residence, despite being there to legally represent his client. "They are obstructing my professional duties,” he said outside the building. “This is unacceptable in a democratic society.”

Galstanyan has now been officially charged with preparing acts of terrorism, organizing mass unrest, and attempting to overthrow the government. His legal team insists these accusations are politically motivated and are designed to destroy a popular movement that has grown too powerful for the ruling authorities to control.

“This is a moment of truth for Armenia,” said one supporter outside the archbishop’s home. “If a respected religious leader can be treated this way for speaking out, then none of us are safe.”

The Holy Struggle movement was born in opposition to what many Armenians see as Prime Minister Pashinyan’s dangerous concessions to Azerbaijan. For months, Galstanyan led peaceful demonstrations and prayer marches, demanding national dignity, territorial integrity, and a government that listens to its people.

An Investigative Committee photo of weapons confiscated from opposition activists, June 25, 2025.

Now, the government is accusing the movement of preparing terrorist attacks.

This latest development adds to a growing list of troubling signs in Armenia’s democratic trajectory, with critics accusing the government of using the judicial system to neutralize opposition.

For now, the streets remain tense, and the Holy Struggle movement’s future hangs in the balance.