Judge in Case of Catholicos and 6 Bishops Resigns from Hearing

The judge in the case involving the Catholicos and six bishops, Hakob Manukyan, announced his self-recusal and declined to hear the case, as reported by lawyer Marine Farmanyan at the courthouse.

The session lasted 20 minutes.

“The judge self-recused and refused to examine this case. He was also a lawyer, and I granted him his license. In my personal opinion, this did not constitute grounds for recusal. However, considering that it might raise suspicions, the judge declared his self-recusal. I commend this step as he effectively chose not to be part of this disgraceful process,” said Ara Zohrabyan after the first session of the case.

It should be noted that it was initially announced that the session would be held behind closed doors.

Previously, it was reported that His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and the bishops would participate in the first court hearing. Lawyer Ara Zohrabyan confirmed this information, stating, “On August 7 at 16:00, the first hearing of the preliminary court hearings for the criminal case against His Holiness Karekin II and six bishops of the Supreme Spiritual Council will take place at the first instance general jurisdiction court in Armavir (Vagharshapat, 15 St. Gregory the Illuminator Street, courtroom number 1). The case was to be heard by Judge Hakob Manukyan.”