The court hearing in the case of Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan proceeded behind closed doors following an urgent motion submitted by defense attorney Aram Vardevanyan. The motion was deemed non-deferrable and could not be presented in open court, prompting the judge to approve a closed session, reports Panorama.am .
Addressing the court, Vardevanyan stated: “Although Mr. Galstanyan is not present, I have an urgent motion related to my client’s pretrial detention measure.” He argued that the motion involved sensitive circumstances that only became known during the session, and had not been previously shared with the judge, prosecution, or even his own legal team.
Vardevanyan emphasized the importance of transitioning to a closed session immediately, suggesting there were significant new developments.
Other defense attorneys, including Ruben Melikyan and Hovhannes Khudoyan, did not object. Prosecutors initially insisted the session should be postponed due to the absence of one defendant, as required by the Criminal Procedure Code. However, Vardevanyan responded that the nature of his motion justified urgent review, even without full attendance.
Following deliberation, the judge called for a recess, ordered the courtroom cleared, including media representatives, and instructed court staff to ensure the conditions for a closed hearing.
On June 25, law enforcement conducted searches at the homes of individuals affiliated with the Sacred Struggle movement. According to the Investigative Committee, members and leaders of the movement allegedly planned terrorist acts and actions aimed at seizing power. Archbishop Bagrat and 14 others were arrested shortly thereafter.
