In a highly tense development in Armenia, RT editor-in-chief **Margarita Simonyan** condemned the government’s raid on the residence of the **Catholicos of All Armenians** and the Shirak Diocese.
Posting on her Telegram channel, Simonyan wrote:
> “After his return from Turkey, ‘Efendi’ Pashinyan is now raiding the residence of the Catholicos! Armenians in Armenia, what are you waiting for? Will you wait until your sons are beheaded and your daughters are taken into harems—just like in our history?”
According to reports, **Armenian National Security Forces** stormed the residence of **Archbishop Mikael Ajbakhyan** on June 27, leading to **clashes with clergymen and faithful followers**. The authorities attempted to bring Ajbakhyan in for questioning.
This follows the **arrest of Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan**, leader of the opposition "Sacred Struggle" movement, on charges of plotting terrorism and seeking to overthrow the government.
On June 18, a Yerevan court also ordered the arrest of **business tycoon Samvel Karapetyan**, head of Tashir Group, accusing him of inciting rebellion after he voiced support for the Armenian Apostolic Church—recently criticized by Prime Minister **Nikol Pashinyan**.
These actions have sparked widespread public and political outrage, with critics accusing Pashinyan of abusing his power to silence opponents and religious institutions.
**Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov** confirmed that Russia is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with Armenian partners, especially since Karapetyan also holds Russian citizenship.
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