No detention for deacon Hakobyan in coup plot trial

PanARMENIAN.Net - Deacon Hrayr Hakobyan, who is a defendant in the so-called “coup plot” case, will remain free. Judge Karen Farhoyan of the Court of First Instance partially upheld the prosecutor’s motion, maintaining a travel ban but lifting administrative supervision, Sputnik Armenia reports.

Hakobyan said he was surprised by the motion, as he expected a different outcome, specifically, a proposal for pretrial detention. His lawyer, Aram Vardevanyan, argued that no pretrial measure was necessary at all.

Hakobyan was originally detained on June 26, 2024, for two months. Later, the Court of Appeals modified his status, replacing the detention with a travel ban and administrative supervision.

Following his arrest, National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan posted a transcript on Facebook in which, according to prosecutors, Hakobyan allegedly discussed possible acts of violence against the prime minister and other top officials. Hakobyan countered that the conversation was taken out of context.

Currently, 17 people remain in custody in connection with the “coup plan” case, including Archishop Bagrat, leader of the Sacred Struggle movement. According to the Investigative Committee, members of the movement had planned terrorist acts and a seizure of power.