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Former Armenian Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan has denounced as “disgraceful and unacceptable” the campaign of insults and slander targeting Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, Primate of the Tavush Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, who has actively joined ongoing protests against the unilateral land handover to Azerbaijan in Armenia’s Tavush Province.

“The campaign is also targeting the Armenian Apostolic Church and other clergymen,” Tatoyan posted on Facebook on Tuesday, adding it is led by senior officials from Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract party.

“The campaign includes media reports and baseless statements defaming Rev. Fr. Bagrat, coupled with the use of profanity against him and the Armenian Church on social media pages. Whereas, Fr. Bagrat stands with followers of his diocese and has been supporting people waging an existential struggle for their rights and security day and night.

“The happenings in Tavush and other parts of Armenia are part of the ontological struggle for the rights and dignity of the entire Armenian nation,” the ex-ombudsman penned.