YEREVAN — Armenia is facing escalating political tension as authorities arrest prominent opposition figures and senior clerics accused of plotting to overthrow Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government. The arrests have sparked widespread debate, with critics calling the moves a crackdown on dissent and government officials framing them as essential for national security.

Key Arrests and Charges

Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan of the Armenian Apostolic Church, a leading figure in the Sacred Struggle opposition movement, was detained on June 25, 2025. Authorities allege he played a central role in planning a coup, including calls for bombings, arson, and road blockades, while recruiting former soldiers and police officers. His lawyer has dismissed the accusations as politically motivated.

Another cleric, Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, head of the Shirak Diocese, was also arrested after reportedly making public calls for the violent removal of the government. A confrontation occurred at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin when security forces attempted to detain him. He was later placed in pre-trial detention.

Samvel Karapetyan, a Russian-Armenian billionaire and outspoken government critic, was arrested in mid-June. Prosecutors accuse him of urging the usurpation of state power, but his supporters insist the charges are designed to silence political opposition.

Two senior opposition politicians — Seyran Ohanyan, a former defense minister, and Artsvik Minasyan, a former environment minister — face charges of corruption, bribery, and abuse of power. Another MP, Artur Sargsyan, may also face indictment linked to Galstanyan’s alleged plot. Parliament has already stripped all three of their immunity.

In addition, seven members of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, part of a pro-Russian coalition, were detained on suspicion of planning terrorism. Authorities say one has been formally charged with preparing a terrorist act.

Context and Claims

The arrests come against the backdrop of rising tensions between the government and the Armenian Apostolic Church. Disputes have intensified over border concessions to Azerbaijan and the broader peace process, issues that have triggered public protests and church criticism of Pashinyan’s leadership.

Opposition groups argue the charges are vague and amount to political repression. They say terms such as “public calls for overthrowing the government” are being weaponized to criminalize dissent. Lawyers for the accused claim the evidence presented so far is insufficient or fabricated.

Government officials counter that the arrests are necessary to protect Armenia from destabilization. They insist security services uncovered credible evidence of sabotage planning, including recruitment efforts and materials allegedly intended for violent action.

Reactions and Implications

The arrests have drawn significant public attention. Crowds gathered in Etchmiadzin to protest the detention of church leaders, underscoring the religious dimension of the crisis.

International observers are closely watching to see whether Armenia upholds legal standards, ensures fair trials, and protects basic political freedoms.

Domestically, the events risk further polarizing Armenian society. For some, the crackdown reinforces perceptions of government overreach; for others, it reflects a firm response to genuine security threats during a fragile political moment.

What to Watch Next

• Court Proceedings — Whether the judiciary provides transparency and due process in handling cases against clerics and opposition leaders.

• Evidence Disclosure — How much proof authorities make public to substantiate coup allegations.

• Public Opinion — The extent to which these arrests erode trust in government or mobilize further protests.

• Impact on Elections — Potential consequences for Armenia’s political landscape ahead of future votes.

• International Pressure — Possible responses from the EU, human rights organizations, and foreign governments.

Conclusion

The wave of arrests targeting clerics and opposition leaders has plunged Armenia into a period of heightened political tension. While the government maintains it acted to prevent a coup, critics argue the charges are part of a wider strategy to silence dissent. The outcome of court proceedings and the government’s ability to maintain legitimacy at home and abroad will determine whether this crisis escalates or begins to ease.