Eighteen-year-old David Minasyan, a participant in the incident at St. Anna Church, has been placed in pre-trial detention for two months. The Yerevan Court of General Jurisdiction, chaired by Judge Mnatsakan Martirosyan, granted the investigator’s motion and ordered detention as a preventive measure, Factor.am reports.

During a liturgy at St. Anna Church, as security officers were clearing a path for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to exit, a young man first objected and then attempted to strike him. That individual was identified as David Minasyan, who has been charged with hooliganism and interfering with the lawful official or political activities of a public official.

“The court found that only detention would ensure our client’s lawful conduct. David is a 12th-grade student, has no connection to politics or any political force. In two months, it is Last Bell ceremony yet he will be in custody—on whose conscience will this remain? The charges have no relation to reality, and we will definitely appeal the detention. David is already being transferred to the Armavir penitentiary,” his lawyer said.

The lawyer added that two individuals, reportedly security personnel of the prime minister, have given testimony in the case.

After the court’s decision was announced, the young man’s mother, who was present in the courtyard, felt unwell and lost consciousness.

The Investigative Committee had requested a two-month detention, Sputnik Armenia reported.

“The motion submitted to the court was effectively dismantled by the defense team. A 12th-grade student is to be held in custody, while individuals accused of particularly serious crimes may remain under administrative supervision or house arrest. Nothing was taken into account,” defense lawyer Armen Melkonyan told journalists.

He added that they will continue to fight and will certainly appeal the decision.

“We will not allow the child to remain there. He was pushed, thrown to the ground—video footage even shows that his jaw is hurting. These accusations have nothing to do with reality. We are heading in a direction that will not lead our country to anything good,” Melkonyan said.

The lawyer emphasized that, due to the court’s decision, David has been deprived of the opportunity to complete his schooling.

David Minasyan’s brother, Mikayel Minasyan, and Gevorg Gevorgyan have been released. The latter was granted bail of 5 million drams and placed under a travel restriction, while Mikayel Minasyan was subjected only to a travel ban. He was charged with providing assistance, while Gevorg Gevorgyan was accused of organizing the incident. Gevorgyan denied that the incident was organized and said he does not accept the charges. Mikayel Minasyan stated only that he is in good condition and that he was treated properly.