On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Armenian authorities arrested Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, a prominent Christian cleric, along with 13 others, charging them with orchestrating a plot to overthrow the government. According to Armenia’s Investigative Committee, criminal charges were filed against Galstanyan and 15 others for allegedly acquiring the means and tools necessary to commit a terrorist attack and seize power. A total of 14 individuals have been detained, though only Galstanyan and MP Sargsyan were named by authorities.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced on his Telegram channel that security forces had foiled a “large and sinister plan by the ‘criminal-oligarchic clergy’” to take control of Armenia, a former Soviet republic in the South Caucasus. The alleged plot involved forming 200 combat groups to carry out synchronized attacks on critical infrastructure, organizing mass riots with potential civilian casualties, and paralyzing transport, energy systems, and government operations through cyberattacks on official websites. Authorities claim approximately 1,000 individuals have been involved in the scheme since January 2025.

The arrests come amid escalating tensions between Pashinyan and the influential Armenian Apostolic Church. In recent weeks, the two sides have exchanged increasingly bitter accusations, with some senior clerics previously calling for Pashinyan’s resignation due to Armenia’s military defeats against Azerbaijan. This confrontation is further intensified by the upcoming elections scheduled for next year, which are expected to heighten political and religious friction in the region.

The foiled coup attempt underscores the complex interplay of religion, politics, and regional geopolitics in Armenia, drawing attention from neighboring countries such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Russia, as well as international observers. The situation remains fluid as authorities continue their investigations and the nation prepares for a contentious electoral season.