Tamamyan warns of regime crackdown on Church and opposition

PanARMENIAN.Net - Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan believes the current developments in Armenia reflect a rapid collapse orchestrated by a “traitorous regime.” In a Facebook post, he warned that “the next target will likely be the Mother See.”

He argued that authoritarian regimes often stage “coup attempts” to justify power grabs—claiming the events surrounding Archbishop Bagrat are part of such a script. The narrative, he says, is supported by edited conversations, unclear “one-year-old plans,” and coordinated action by pro-government figures.

Tamamyan posed rhetorical questions about the legitimacy of the accusations, noting the absurdity of claiming a few hunting rifles and metal rods were intended to topple the government. He emphasized that Archbishop Bagrat had publicly stated plans for protests, arguing no one seeking an illegal coup would make such intentions public. Furthermore, he pointed out that none of the arrested supporters attempted to hide or flee.

He questioned the timing of the events, connecting them to Armenia’s recent diplomatic activity, including a controversial visit to Turkey and responses to the “Istanbul Declaration.” According to Tamamyan, the government is systematically eliminating all forces capable of resistance—highlighting the arrest of Bagrat, the Church's marginalization, and insults against Armenia’s former leaders.

The ultimate goal, he said, is to prevent any leadership from opposing new national concessions.

He concluded by stressing the urgency of uniting all opposition forces before it is too late, suggesting the Catholicos’ recent meeting with Armenia’s first president was a step toward this. The public must be peacefully mobilized to remove the current authorities, he said, cautioning against violent means.

Tamamyan also dismissed a recently circulated “ministerial list” as another staged performance.

In a related post, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declared on Facebook that steps must be taken to “liberate” the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and organize new Catholicos elections. He also announced plans to form a Coordinating Group, assuming responsibility for selecting its first ten members.