Armenian Church leader Karekin II faces criminal trial

The Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin II, and six senior members of the Armenian Apostolic Church's Supreme Spiritual Council are facing criminal trial for allegedly obstructing a judicial decision. The defendants, including two archbishops and four bishops, are accused of failing to execute a court order regarding the reinstatement of Gevorg Saroyan, a former Primate of the Masyatsotn Diocese.

If convicted of obstructing the execution of a judicial act, the seven defendants face a maximum sentence of two years in prison. The trial is scheduled to take place at the Armavir Region First Instance Court. The proceedings follow a period of heightened tension between the Church leadership and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Legal observers have noted that the prosecution may violate the right to autonomy for religious institutions, which is protected under the Armenian Constitution and the Religion Law.