“Physical Evidence has not been lost, and we will appeal” – Arsen Babayan on Archbishop Arshak’s detention

The extension of Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan’s detention for two months signals that pressures against the church and the persecution of Archbishop Arshak, are ongoing, his lawyer, Arsen Babayan, said in remarks to reporters following the court hearing.

Babayan added that visits to the Archbishop have been restricted, with only his sister’s children currently allowed to see him. He also confirmed that they plan to appeal the court’s decision.

Addressing reports that physical evidence in the case had been lost, Babayan stated that the investigator denied this information, confirming that no evidence has gone missing.

Judge Karen Farkhoyan issued the two-month extension of Archbishop Arshak’s detention.
A public criminal case was opened against Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan on charges of selling drugs with prior consent by a group of individuals. He was arrested on December 5.