Heads of 22 AAC dioceses abroad call on the Armenian authorities to  release clergymen 

ArmInfo.  The heads of 22 dioceses of the Armenian Apostolic Church called on the Armenian authorities to release Archbishops Bagrat Galstanyan and Mikael Ajapakhyan.

The statement emphasizes that the continued detention of the two  high-ranking clergy is a saddening phenomenon.

"We believe that until a fair court decision is made, the arrest can  be replaced by alternative measures that will allow them to remain  free. Being well acquainted with the life path of our two spiritual  brothers, their personal and spiritual activities, as well as their  public authority, we are convinced that, remaining free, they will in  no way hinder the course of the investigation or trial," the  statement says.

The Prime Minister of Armenia launched a campaign against the  Armenian Apostolic Church in May, and all those who disagree with him  on one or another serious charge are taken into custody.  Thus, on  June 18, philanthropist and president of the Tashir Group of  Companies Samvel Karapetyan was detained and then taken into custody  for a period of 2 months after he expressed support for the Armenian  Apostolic Church. He is accused of publicly calling for the seizure  of power in the country. Karapetyan does not admit guilt. In  addition, on June 25, 16 opposition figures and supporters of the  Sacred Struggle movement were taken into custody, led by the leader  of the movement, Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan. They are accused of  attempting to "seize power." And on June 28, the Yerevan Court of  First Instance decided to arrest the head of the Shirak Diocese of  the Armenian Apostolic Church, Archbishop Mikael Ajapakhyan, for a  period of two months.  Archbishop Mikael Ajapakhyan is accused of  calling for the violent overthrow of the government.  This was  preceded by the penetration of law enforcement officers into the  territory of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Detentions and  arrests continue.