Special forces of Armenia's National Security Service leaves residence of Garegin II without detaining Ajapakhyan

The Special Forces of Armenia's National Security Service have left the territory of the monastery in Etchmiadzin, where they unsuccessfully tried to detain Archbishop Mikael Ajapakhyan, Report informs referring to Armenian media.

The reason was the gathering of a large number of citizens near the monastery.

"The National Security Service and the police, based on security considerations and preventing a possible and deliberate escalation of the situation, decided to leave the territory of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The National Security Service calls on citizens not to escalate the situation, and urges Archbishop Mikael Ajapakhyan not to hide from law enforcement agencies and to come to the operational group of the National Security Service," reads the statement.

12:41

The National Security Service of Armenia took Archbishop Mikael Ajapakhyan away from the monastery in Echmiadzin, where the residence of Garegin II is located, Report informs referring to Sputnik Armenia.

The situation at the monastery remains tense after his detention.

Periodically, scuffles break out between security forces and believers.

12:02

A scuffle between police officers and priests has occurred in the courtyard of the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians in Echmiadzin, where the Armenian National Security Service is conducting an operation, Report informs referring to Armenian media.

Masked National Security Service's Special Forces also broke into the residence earlier.

The priests are trying to prevent the operation. Garegin II also went out into the courtyard to the priests for a while.

11:46

Masked special forces of Armenia's National Security Service have entered the territory of the residence of Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II in Echmiadzin, Report informs referring to Armenian media.

The special forces probably arrived to arrest the head of the Shirak Diocese, Archbishop Mikael Ajapakhyan, who arrived there to participate in a meeting of priests.

Earlier today, it was noted that about 30 masked people entered the building of the Shirak Diocese.