Attack Attempt on Pashinyan During Church Visit in Yerevan
pasinyan
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was the target of an attempted attack during a Palm Sunday service in Yerevan, according to Armenian media reports. The incident, which unfolded at Saint Anna Church, briefly disrupted the ceremony and heightened tensions amid ongoing political sensitivities involving the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Incident During Palm Sunday Service
The incident took place at Saint Anna Church in Yerevan, where Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended Palm Sunday celebrations.
According to eyewitness accounts:
- Pashinyan arrived with a security detail
- Movement inside the church was reportedly restricted
- Tensions rose as worshippers reacted to the disruption
Some reports claimed that the presence of security personnel and alleged political messaging during the visit contributed to unrest among attendees.
Physical Altercation and Escalation
The situation escalated when:
- A member of the prime minister’s security team allegedly struck a civilian
- Worshippers reacted strongly, leading to a confrontation inside the church
Amid the chaos, one individual reportedly attempted to strike Pashinyan, though no contact was made.
Authorities Confirm Attack Attempt
According to official statements from Armenia’s Interior Ministry:
- Two individuals attempted to approach and attack Pashinyan
- Security forces intervened immediately
- The suspects were detained at the scene
Authorities said the individuals are under investigation on charges including:
- Hooliganism
- Interfering with a public official’s duties and political activity
Broader Context: Church–State Tensions
The incident comes amid ongoing tensions between the Armenian government and the Armenian Apostolic Church, which have intensified in recent months.
Observers note that:
- Political divisions have increasingly spilled into public and religious spaces
- The church remains a sensitive institution in Armenian society
Situation Under Control
No injuries to the prime minister were reported. The service was disrupted but ultimately brought under control after security forces intervened.