The detention period of Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, head of the Aragatsotn Diocese, has been extended by one month, as announced by presiding Judge Davit Dabaghyan during the first court session in the case.
The public prosecutor had requested a three-month extension, citing the severity of the alleged offenses and the need to ensure the defendant’s continued detention.
“There is factual evidence justifying detention at this stage. No conditions currently exist to justify an alternative measure,” the prosecutor argued, according to Panorama.am .
Defense attorney Roman Aharonyan countered that there is no longer any need for detention or preventive measures. He noted that there are no witnesses in the case and that the two recognized victims—defrocked former clerics Aramayis Takhmazyan and Stepan Asatryan—are state-protected and unlikely to alter their testimonies under pressure.
“There’s no legal basis for any restraint. Detention should be lifted immediately,” Aharonyan said.
Bishop Mkrtich has been in custody since October 16, 2025. Initially detained for two months, his arrest was later extended for another two months.
He faces charges under several articles of Armenia’s Criminal Code, including Article 210.3.2 (coercing participation in elections or referenda using official position or influence) and Article 236.3 (coercing or preventing participation in rallies via blackmail or material incentives using official authority).
