AGBU calls for withdrawal of indictment against Catholicos Karekin II

By Siranush Adamyan

The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) has called on the Armenian authorities to withdraw the criminal indictment against Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and six bishops, saying the case raises serious concerns about religious freedom, church autonomy and the rule of law.

In a statement issued on Aug. 5, AGBU said the criminal case stems from "an internal ecclesiastical matter concerning the leadership of a diocese" and argued that it should be resolved through the Armenian Apostolic Church's own canonical procedures rather than through the criminal justice system.

The indictment, recently referred to court by prosecutors, accuses Karekin II and the six bishops of failing to comply with a court order requiring the temporary reinstatement of Bishop Gevorg Saroyan after his dismissal from office. Prosecutors argue the church leaders obstructed the enforcement of the ruling, while the Armenian Apostolic Church says the appointment and removal of bishops are matters governed exclusively by canon law and fall outside the jurisdiction of state authorities.

"The Government of Armenia's criminal indictment of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and six other bishops... raises serious questions about religious freedom and respect for the rule of law," the organization said.

AGBU called for the indictment to be withdrawn, saying it believes the case "has no basis in law or in our historical traditions." It also said it stands ready to play "a constructive role" in resolving the dispute if requested.

The organization said Armenia's Constitution and national legislation recognize the Armenian Apostolic Church as the country's national church, guarantee its right to self-governance and protect religious freedom. Accordingly, it said, questions concerning the suitability of bishops for ecclesiastical office should be addressed through canon law and the Church's own institutions.

AGBU said it respects Armenia's democratically elected government and constitutional order while reaffirming its support for the Armenian Apostolic Church and its leadership, which it said were elected in accordance with canon law and have played an enduring role in preserving Armenian identity worldwide.

Rights groups and UN experts voice concerns

AGBU's statement adds to a growing number of international expressions of concern over recent criminal cases involving senior Armenian clergy.

Religious freedom watchdog Forum 18 said on Monday the prosecution of Karekin II and the six bishops amounted to state interference in the internal affairs of the Armenian Apostolic Church and raised concerns about Armenia's compliance with constitutional protections for religious autonomy and its international human rights obligations.

The statement also follows a recent communication by six United Nations human rights experts, who expressed concern over Armenia's use of terrorism-related charges against Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan and members of the opposition Holy Struggle movement. The experts questioned whether counterterrorism legislation was being applied in a manner consistent with international human rights standards and sought explanations from the Armenian government regarding the legal basis for the charges, pretrial detention and due process safeguards.

The Armenian government has rejected those concerns, saying the investigations are based on evidence of alleged preparations for terrorism and the violent seizure of power rather than political or religious considerations.