John Eibner, President of the Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) organization, visited detained Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan.

During a press conference focused on religious freedom and human rights, Eibner stated that due to the limited time available, he was only able to meet with one detained cleric, Aysor.am reports.

“Such visits require considerable preparation and time. In future trips, we’ll make every effort to visit the other detainees as well. We also call on others to do the same. It is important that representatives of Western embassies also visit. So far, we’re aware of only one such visit from the Canadian Embassy,” he said.

“Although time did not allow us to do more on this occasion, we will continue doing everything we can to express our solidarity,” Eibner added.

Criminal proceedings have been launched against six members of the Supreme Spiritual Council, who face charges of obstructing the enforcement of a court ruling. As part of the investigation, travel bans were imposed on council bishops. The Mother See strongly condemned what it described as another government intrusion into church affairs, in clear violation of Armenia’s Constitution and laws.

The Bishops’ Assembly, convened by Catholicos Karekin II, is scheduled to take place in St. Pölten, Austria, from February 16 to 19.