Lydia Mantashyan, a member of the Sacred Struggle movement, has addressed an open letter from Abovyan Penitentiary to her supporters and the public, urging them not to pity her or her fellow detainees, stating that “being arrested for the homeland is an honor.”
“To all who are concerned about me… Yes, I am under arrest, but I have neither stolen, killed (or planned to), nor sold drugs… In short, I am not a criminal and have committed no illegal act. I simply exercised my constitutional right by attempting to bring about a change of power through peaceful disobedience. I am in custody because of one man’s (N.P.) whim.
Those detained with me are also imprisoned for standing up for the Homeland, and… being imprisoned for the homeland is an honor to us (Bishop Bagrat). So, do not pity me/us or our families. The only thing I truly regret is not being able to attend the anniversary of my father’s passing,” her message reads.
She expressed gratitude to all those who pray for her and the other detainees, deliver parcels, visit family members, or simply haven’t forgotten them.
Speaking about Archbishop Bagrat, Mantashyan described him as one of the greatest thinkers of our time, noting that he has never had a moment of peace to fully devote himself to creative work because of his constant service to the state, border communities, front-line positions, and the Diaspora — blending this work with his religious duties, often without time to eat or sleep, as even loyal Civil Contract (ruling party) members are aware.
“The great fathers of our church, when creating something of value, would retreat voluntarily and create with prayer, guided by the Lord. Today, Archbishop Bagrat is in isolation. Knowing him well, I am confident he will create something eternal during this period of imprisonment (isolation). Therefore, I thank the Lord for these days. Glory to You, God, glory to You, for everything, Lord, glory to You,” Mantashyan concluded.
On June 25, law enforcement began searches at the homes of supporters of the Sacred Struggle movement. The Investigative Committee later stated that its members and leaders were allegedly plotting terrorist acts and attempting to seize power in Armenia. Movement leader Archbishop Bagrat was later placed under two-month pretrial detention, along with 14 others.
