Archbishop accused of coup plot denied bail

A Yerevan court on Thursday denied bail to the jailed Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan who is accused of plotting a coup. 

Citing a risk of obstruction of justice and renewed crime, the judge extended the archbishop’s pre-trial detention for another three months. 

Galstyan’s lawyers boycotted the session, accusing the court of illegitimacy.

Two other defendants in the case had their jail terms extended as well.

Galstanyan has denied any wrongdoing and has described the charges as politically motivated. 

He was remanded into custody on June 26.