Protest by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan and Supporters Demands Armenia's Investigative Committee Release Jailed Protesters

On Monday morning, Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, the leader of the Tavush for the Homeland movement, along with his supporters, gathered at the courtyard of the Komitas Holy Cross Church in Yerevan. The group planned to head to the Investigative Committee of Armenia, where a significant police presence had already gathered.

The previous day, Galstanyan announced his intentions, stating, "Tomorrow, June 3, at 10am, I will go to the Investigative Committee of Armenia. I will state our demands on the spot. They must provide us with an answer, or we will act freely." He also revealed plans to visit Vanadzor and Vardenis in the near future, with intentions to travel to Syunik Province as well.

Furthermore, Galstanyan announced a major rally planned for the upcoming week. "That rally will be a crucial milestone, leading to victory," he declared.

The protests and civil disobedience actions led by Galstanyan began after the announcement on April 19 that Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to start border delimitation in Tavush Province. On May 9, Galstanyan led a protest march from Tavush to Yerevan, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Archbishop Galstanyan informed reporters that starting today their diplomats would visit all embassies and the EU representation in Armenia to present their issues. He stated, "There are scheduled times for these visits, and all the issues will be presented."

When asked about holding snap parliamentary elections in Armenia, the Archbishop replied, "Let's not dwell on it now. We will address that topic in due time."

The protestors marched from the Komitas Holy Cross Church to the building of the Investigative Committee of Armenia. Archbishop Galstanyan made it clear that their primary purpose was to protest recent events and demand accountability from the Investigative Committee. He questioned whether the Committee acted solely against citizens or also addressed police violence during this period. "We demand that Mr. [Argishti] Kyaramyan, the Chairman of the Investigative Committee of Armenia, or another representative come down and talk to the people," Galstanyan said, urging protestors to avoid provocations and unnecessary actions.

The Tavush for the Homeland movement, led by Archbishop Galstanyan, began its protests after the April 19 announcement of border delimitation. On May 9, Archbishop Galstanyan, then the Primate of the Diocese of Tavush of the Armenian Apostolic Church, led a protest march from Tavush to Yerevan, calling for Prime Minister Pashinyan's resignation.

Additionally, Archbishop Galstanyan called for legal action against those who branded him a "foreign agent" following a denial by the National Security Service (NSS). The NSS officially denied the allegations. "Following the NSS denial of the allegations that I am an agent, all the slanderers must be held to account and arrested," he told reporters. "I will talk to the lawyers, and everyone who called us agents must be held accountable. We will take the legal path as well. Irresponsible statements should have no place in the country," the protest leader said, expressing gratitude to NSS Chairman Armen Abazyan and its staff.

The ongoing protests and planned actions by Archbishop Galstanyan and his supporters signify a significant moment of civil unrest and demand for accountability in Armenia. The Tavush for the Homeland movement continues to push for their demands and seek justice, highlighting the tensions and challenges facing the nation.

The Armenian Report’s Ani Khachatryan continues to cover the daily protests and rallies taking place in Yerevan. Subscribe to The Armenian Report’s YouTube Channel for daily video updates from the capital.