Court approves pre-trial detention for archbishop suspected of terror plot

A court has ruled to remand Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan in pre-trial detention for two months, his lawyer Hovhannes Khudoyan told reporters.

Galstanyan, as well as several members of his “Sacred Struggle” movement, were arrested on terrorism charges Wednesday and accused of plotting to overthrow the government.

Galstanyan’s movement launched anti-government demonstrations in mid-2024. Investigators said Wednesday that the movement had actually been plotting a violent coup.

Investigators said they found firearms, incendiary devices, documents and even a list of would-be government appointees following the seizure of power in the suspects’ homes.

The archbishop’s lawyer said Galstanyan will appeal the jail term.

Galstanyan is charged with conspiracy to commit terrorism, organize mass disturbances and plotting a coup.

He has denied the accusations.