The Case of the Supreme Patriarch and Six Bishops has Been Accepted for Proceedings: Court Hearing Date Announced

The General Jurisdiction Court of Armavir Province, presided by Judge Serge Roushanian, has accepted the criminal case against the Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians Karekin II and six bishops. The court hearing is scheduled for August 28 at 16:30.

Initially, the case was assigned to Judge Hakob Manukyan, who later recused himself, citing a conflict of interest due to a legal representation authorization from defense attorney Ara Zohrapyan in this case.

It is important to note that criminal proceedings have been initiated against the Supreme Patriarch and several high-ranking clergymen in connection with the failure to comply with a judicial act regarding former leader of the Masyatsotn Diocese Arman Saroyan. Saroyan demanded that the court annul Karekin II's decision to relieve him of his duties as the leader of the Masyatsotn Diocese and restore him to his former position. The court temporarily restored Saroyan to his position until a final verdict is rendered in the case.

Subsequently, criminal proceedings were initiated for the non-execution of a court order. Criminal charges have also been filed against the Supreme Patriarch, with a preventive measure of prohibition of absence being applied.

It should be noted that the case was initially assigned to Judge Hakob Manukyan, who recused himself during the first hearing.

Notice: The accused individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty by a final and legally binding court decision.