Armenian Apostolic Church leader faces trial as feud with PM deepens
Summary
Armenia is putting the leader of its Apostolic Church and six other clerics on trial for not following a court order. They are accused of refusing to reinstate a defrocked bishop and could face up to two years in prison if found guilty. The trial is part of a growing conflict between the church and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.Key Facts
- The head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Catholicos Karekin II, and six clerics will stand trial.
- They are accused of disobeying a court order to reinstate Bishop Gevorg Saroyan.
- Saroyan was defrocked by the church in January over alleged abuse of authority.
- Saroyan supports Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who wants Karekin II to resign.
- Karekin II has criticized Pashinyan’s handling of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and accused him of losing territory to Azerbaijan.
- Pashinyan has accused the Catholicos of spying for Russia and breaking a vow of celibacy, but has not provided proof.
- Critics say the trial is politically motivated and an attempt to weaken government opponents.
- Legal experts warn the case threatens the church’s independence and raises concerns about Armenia’s judicial fairness.
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