Episode Details

Armenia’s top religious leaders, including Catholicos Karekin II, are facing jail time after being charged for defying a court order to reinstate a bishop they ousted — a case seen as part of escalating tensions between the church and Prime Minister Pashinyan’s government. The conflict dates back to 2024, when protests led by clergy demanded Pashinyan’s resignation over Armenia’s peace deals with Azerbaijan. After a judge initially presided over the hearing, he recused himself — calling the proceedings “shameful” — and a new judge will now take over. The legal battle began in January when Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, who had called for Karekin’s removal, won his court case demanding reinstatement — only for the church to refuse, triggering charges. Meanwhile, other church figures have also been targeted: two archbishops were arrested last year — one convicted (later overturned) of inciting coup attempts, the other currently under house arrest on similar charges. This episode is a flashpoint in Armenia’s ongoing struggle between secular governance and religious authority.

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