In Armenia, Judge Akop Manukyan, who was reviewing the criminal case…
In Armenia, Judge Akop Manukyan, who was reviewing the criminal case against the Catholicos of All Armenians, Garegin II, and six members of the Supreme Spiritual Council, refused to consider the case, said lawyer Ara Zogryan.
Consensus
- Judge Akop Manukyan withdrew from the case against Catholicos Garegin II and six members of the High Spiritual Council.
- The court hearing was held in closed session and lasted about 20 minutes.
- The case was postponed and will be transferred to another judge.
- Garegin II and the six others are accused of obstructing the execution of a court order related to former bishop Arman Saryan.
- The case stems from a dispute involving Saryan, who was removed from his position and deprived of episcopal status by the Church and later filed a lawsuit.
- The prosecution alleges that the Church hindered the enforcement of a court decision in Saryan's favor.
Points of divergence
- The case is the first time in Armenian history that the Catholicos and members of the High Spiritual Council have appeared before a court. — interfax
- Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan claimed that Garegin II is not a legitimate Catholicos, calling him by his secular name Ktrich Nersisyan, and accused him of violating his vow of celibacy by having a wife and children. — interfax
- Pashinyan stated that the Catholicos is a threat to national security and should abdicate. — interfax
- The case was initiated in February by the Armenian Prosecutor's Office, and Garegin II has been banned from leaving the country. — interfax
- The conflict between the Armenian Apostolic Church leadership and Prime Minister Pashinyan began in 2020 due to the Nagorno-Karabakh war, with the Church supporting opposition accusing Pashinyan of losing control over the region. — kommersant
- Garegin II called on the Prime Minister to resign to prevent unrest, clashes, and tragic developments. — kommersant
Coverage (2 sources)
- Judge in the case of the Catholicos of All Armenians took a self-discharge — Интерфакс
- Judge refused to consider the case of the Catholicos of all Armenians — Коммерсантъ