Fact Check: Armenia's National Security Service clashes with church crowds during arrests.

Fact Check: Armenia's National Security Service clashes with church crowds during arrests

What We Know

On June 27, 2025, Armenian National Security Service (NSS) officers attempted to arrest Mikael Ajapahyan, the Archbishop of Gyumri and Shirak, at the headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Echmiadzin, near Yerevan. This incident escalated into a confrontation between the NSS and crowds of parishioners who had gathered to support the archbishop. The NSS ultimately withdrew without making the arrest to prevent further escalation of the situation (AP News, AP News).

Reports indicate that Ajapahyan was charged with calling for the overthrow of the constitutional order, a claim he denies (AP News). This incident is part of a broader context in which the Armenian government has been accused of cracking down on dissent, particularly against religious figures who have criticized Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's administration (AP News, Reuters).

Analysis

The claim that "Armenia's National Security Service clashes with church crowds during arrests" is supported by multiple reputable sources. The Associated Press reported on the confrontation, detailing how security forces faced off against crowds at the church headquarters, which is a significant site for the Armenian Apostolic Church (AP News). The incident highlights tensions between the Armenian government and the church, particularly as Ajapahyan has been vocal in his criticism of the government’s policies (AP News).

The reliability of the sources is high, as they include established news organizations like the Associated Press and Reuters, which have a history of accurate reporting on international events. Both outlets provided eyewitness accounts and official statements from the NSS, lending credibility to their reports. Furthermore, the context of increasing governmental pressure on dissenting voices, particularly from religious leaders, is well-documented in recent news (AP News, Reuters).

However, it is essential to consider the potential bias in the reporting. The Armenian government has faced criticism for its handling of dissent, and reports may reflect a narrative that emphasizes governmental overreach. Nonetheless, the factual basis of the clashes is corroborated by multiple independent sources, making the claim credible.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The evidence clearly supports the claim that Armenia's National Security Service clashed with church crowds during the attempted arrest of Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan. The incident is well-documented, with reliable sources confirming the confrontation and the broader implications regarding government actions against dissenting voices within the church.

Fact Check: Armenia's National Security Service clashes with church crowds during arrests.