Six UN independent human rights experts have questioned Armenia’s handling of the criminal case against Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan and 17 others, according to official correspondence published by the United Nations. Armenia rejects the allegations, insisting the case is based on evidence of preparations for terrorism and the violent seizure of power.
The experts questioned Armenia’s use of anti-terrorism and national security legislation against members of the opposition “Sacred Struggle” movement, saying information they received suggests much of the publicly available evidence relates to political opposition and protest activity rather than clear acts of terrorism or violence. They also cited reports of disproportionate police force during the June 12, 2024 protests, selectively published wiretaps, and restrictions that could undermine fair trial guarantees. While stressing they were not making factual findings, the experts warned that, if confirmed, the allegations could be inconsistent with Armenia’s international human rights obligations. They requested explanations for the legal basis of the charges, the use of pretrial detention, the police response, and safeguards protecting freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and political participation.
In its response, Armenia rejected the allegations, maintaining that the case is unrelated to the defendants’ political or religious views and is based on evidence it says demonstrates preparations for terrorist acts and the violent seizure of power. The government also argues that the protests escalated into mass disorder, police acted lawfully and proportionately, and detention decisions were made individually by the courts.
The “Sacred Struggle” movement emerged in 2024 in opposition to the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process before evolving into a nationwide campaign demanding Pashinyan’s resignation. In 2025, authorities charged 18 people, including Archbishop Galstanyan, with terrorism-related offenses and attempting to seize power.
The documents include a communication sent by six UN Special Procedures mandate holders on May 11, 2026, and Armenia’s 31-page response dated July 9, 2026.
