Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, head of the Aragatsotn Diocese, has been placed in pre-trial detention for two months. The decision was made by the Yerevan Court of General Jurisdiction under Judge Karen Farhoyan, following a motion from the investigative body, Sputnik Armenia reports.
According to his lawyer Yerem Sargsyan, the court also restricted visitations with the bishop, allowing only his mother to see him.
The bishop's defense team considers the decision unfounded and plans to appeal.
Judge Karen Farhoyan, who handled the detention motion, is also presiding over the case involving Bishop Bagrat and 17 of his supporters tied to the Sacred Struggle movement.
Yerem Sargsyan also revealed on Facebook that 54 investigators have been assigned to Bishop Proshyan’s case.
“The case of Bishop Mkrtich is now of such ‘national importance’ that the investigative team includes 54 investigators. Fifty-four people, leaving aside all other duties, are now focused on matters involving the Armenian Apostolic Church,” Sargsyan wrote.
On the morning of October 15, law enforcement authorities conducted a search at Bishop Proshyan’s residence, after which he was taken into custody. Alongside him, 12 clergy members and several administrative staff from the Aragatsotn Diocese were also detained. Later, the Investigative Committee confirmed the arrest of three individuals, including the bishop.
