Vahagn Chakhalyan’s detention replaced by house arrest
The preventive measure of detention for Vahagn Chakhalyan, a supporter of the “Srbazan Payqar” (Sacred Struggle) movement, has been replaced by house arrest combined with a ban on leaving the country. The decision was made at the Shengavit seat of the Court of General Jurisdiction of Yerevan, presided over by Judge Karen Farkhoyan.
Prior to the decision, the prosecution argued that sufficient grounds for changing Chakhalyan’s preventive measure had not been presented and that maintaining detention was necessary.
The defense, in turn, noted that Chakhalyan’s family is in a difficult social situation: he has two minor children, the family is burdened with mortgage obligations, and he bears the primary financial responsibility.
The lawyer also assured the court that while being at liberty within the framework of another criminal case involving his client, Chakhalyan even had permission to leave the country. Out of necessity, he departed from the Republic of Armenia but returned within the specified timeframes, which, according to the lawyer, signifies that Chakhalyan has no intention of committing a crime.
The court recorded that the risks associated with the case have decreased but still persist; consequently, the detention was replaced by house arrest for a term of three months. Taking into account the family’s financial situation, bail was not applied.
Chakhalyan will serve his house arrest in the village of Kasakh in the Kotayk region. The court stipulated that he may not use means of communication or receive guests, with the exception of close relatives, persons living in the same residence, and defense attorneys.
Vahagn Chakhalyan has been in custody since July 5, 2025. According to the Investigative Committee, representatives of the “Srbazan Payqar” movement are accused of planning terrorist acts and actions aimed at seizing power.
It should be noted that the court session for the case involving Bagrat Srbazan and 17 supporters of “Srbazan Payqar” is ongoing at the Shengavit seat of the Court of General Jurisdiction of Yerevan, presided over by Karen Farkhoyan.
