Investigators seek to detain Archbishop Ajapahyan for bail hearing

Investigators have filed a motion with the court requesting that Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan be remanded in pre-trial detention on charges of publicly advocating the overthrow of the government, authorities said on Friday.

The Investigative Committee has decided to arrest Ajapahyan and present him to the court for the bail hearing, the National Security Service said in a statement.

‘The National Security Service advises all citizens to refrain from escalating the situation and not to obstruct the lawful actions of law enforcement agencies. We also call on Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan not to evade law enforcement and to present himself to the National Security Service team awaiting him,’ the NSS said in a statement.

NSS agents have arrived at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in Vagharshapat to arrest Ajapahyan.

Ajapahyan earlier told reporters that he doesn't intend to hide. But he wasn't immediately detained as a brawl erupted outside the seat of the patriarchate. 

He was seen approaching a police vehicle but abruptly turned back. 

A senior clergyman then explained that the supporters of Ajapahyan "did not allow him" to leave.

The Archbishop has denied the charges.