The Investigative Committee's press secretary, Kima Avdalyan, stated that as part of a criminal case under Article 422(2) for incitement to seize power or overthrow the constitutional order, investigators are conducting searches and enforcement procedures at Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan’s residence, according to Factor.am . Other details remain undisclosed.

A criminal investigation was opened after interviews where Ajapahyan “publicly called for military coup,” stating that although a coup required generals and an army, Armenia lacked both, and reiterated the need for such action to save the state and Artsakh. He made his first such remarks in February 2024 and reiterated them recently in an interview with News.am .

This morning, around 30 masked people entered the Shirak Diocese’s residence, according to lawyer Mihran Poghosyan. At that moment, Archbishop Ajapahyan was at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

A priest assembly was scheduled at the Mother See on June 27. According to PanARMENIAN.Net sources, the National Security Service is on site, potentially planning to search the Catholicosate building and the Catholicos’s residence.

Former chairman of the Armenian Chamber of Advocates, Ara Zohrabyan, said criminal proceedings have begun against Ajapahyan and that a legal defense team is being formed.