Church's social base and conservatism

In Armenia national security police have gaoled a popular archbishop, Bagrat Galstanyan, claiming he was involved in a plot to overthrow the government. 

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has also demanded the resignation of the top cleric, accusing him of having a secret child. 

It’s a high-risk move for an unpopular government, taking on the ancient church that many Armenians see as the embodiment of the nation.  

GUEST:

Olesya Vartanyan is an independent analyst and consultant based in neighbouring Georgia.