Armenian Security Forces Conduct Searches at the Headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Shirak Diocese Amid Media Blackout

The Armenian security forces began conducting search operations today, Friday, at the headquarters of Catholicos Karekin II of the Armenian Apostolic Church and at the Shirak Diocese in Gyumri, as reported by the "Sputnik Armenia" agency.

The agency stated that special forces from the National Security Service entered the sacred grounds of Etchmiadzin Monastery, the residence of Catholicos, after being preceded by the Chief of Police of Etchmiadzin. The security forces then removed journalists present in the monastery courtyard.

Monk Asoghik Karapetyan posted on social media: "Dear ones, all religious men in Armenia are ready for arrest, we are all present at the sacred Etchmiadzin Monastery." He added, "Either you take us all, or you take out our bodies." The entry of masked special forces sparked anger among the priests, leading to verbal altercations. Security forces used force against the priests and their supporters inside the residence of the head of the Armenian Church.

Shortly after, Catholicos Karekin II himself came out to the confrontation site in an attempt to calm the priests.