Head of Armenian Church charged with criminal case and imposed travel ban

Head of the Armenian Apostolic Church Karekin II. Photo: News Armenia

On February 14, a criminal case was initiated in Yerevan against Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians. The head of the Armenian Apostolic Church is accused of obstructing the enforcement of a court decision; in addition, he has been banned from leaving the country. The lawyer of the head of the Armenian Church reported the initiation of criminal proceedings, reports the "News-Armenia" agency.

According to the defender, the General Prosecutor's Office of Armenia links the accusation to the case of former Archbishop Gevorg (Arman) Saroyan, who was previously defrocked. Zograbyan clarified that the travel ban has already been imposed. In his opinion, this may prevent the Catholicos from participating in the bishops' assembly scheduled for February 16-18 in Austria.

Earlier, Karekin II relieved Saroyan from managing the Masyacotn Eparchy and defrocked him for violating his vow of obedience. After this, the clergyman appealed to court demanding his reinstatement, and the court granted the lawsuit. Saroyan was among the bishops who supported Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's initiative to "renew" the Church.

The day before, Pashinyan stated that holding the bishops' assembly outside the country could be aimed at removing the Catholicosate from Armenia along with the treasures of Etchmiadzin. The Prime Minister emphasized that the authorities will not allow this and are ready to take additional measures if necessary.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that in Etchmiadzin, the Primate of the Armenian Church discussed with Robert Amsterdam the observance of legality and protection of human rights in Armenia.

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