Armenian Bar Association Opposes Prosecution of Catholicos Karekin II

The Armenian Bar Association has expressed concern over criminal charges filed against Catholicos Karekin II and six members of the Armenian Apostolic Church's Supreme Spiritual Council. The charges stem from the church's removal of Bishop Gevorg Saroyan from his position as primate of the Masis Diocese in January 2026, which occurred after a civil court had issued a preliminary injunction blocking such action. Prosecutors allege the church obstructed execution of the court order by proceeding with the bishop's defrocking. The Bar Association argues that decisions regarding ecclesiastical discipline, church governance, and clergy appointments fall within the autonomous authority of religious communities under international human rights law and should not be subject to criminal prosecution. An initial hearing was held in August 2026, after which the presiding judge recused himself. The case has been adjourned pending reassignment to a different judge.