Third judge declines to hear case against Armenian Catholicos

By Siranush Adamyan

A third judge has declined to proceed with the criminal case against Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and six senior clerics, referring a dispute over jurisdiction to Armenia’s Court of Cassation.

Judge Vahagn Melikyan of the Yerevan Court of First Instance asked the Court of Cassation on Thursday, Sep. 3, to determine which court should hear the case, the court confirmed to Sputnik Armenia.

The case has now passed through three judges since proceedings began in August.

Judge Hakob Manukyan, who was initially assigned the case, recused himself on Aug. 7, saying his previous work as a lawyer could raise questions about his impartiality.

The case was reassigned to Judge Serzh Rushanyan on Aug. 10. On Aug. 28, Rushanyan sent it to a Yerevan court, saying the indictment against Karekin II did not specify where the alleged offense took place and therefore left the question of territorial jurisdiction unresolved.

Also read: Second judge declines to hear criminal case against Armenian Catholicos

Karekin II and six members of the Armenian Apostolic Church’s Supreme Spiritual Council are charged with deliberately obstructing the enforcement of a court ruling through the use of their official positions.

The case stems from Karekin II’s January decision to remove Bishop Gevorg Saroyan as head of the Masyatsotn Diocese. Saroyan challenged his dismissal, and a court ordered that he remain in office while the case was pending.

Despite the ruling, Karekin II and the Supreme Spiritual Council later decided to defrock Saroyan. Prosecutors say that decision violated the court order.

The Armenian Apostolic Church says the appointment and removal of bishops are governed by canon law and fall outside the jurisdiction of state courts. International religious and human rights groups have also raised concerns over the prosecution.

The case comes amid a broader confrontation between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government and the Armenian Apostolic Church. Pashinyan has repeatedly called for Karekin II to step down, while the Church has accused the government of political interference in its internal affairs. Saroyan was himself among a group of 10 bishops who publicly called for the Catholicos’ resignation and had met with Pashinyan before his dismissal.