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Church Leader Faces Charges Over Bishop Dispute | Dover News
Description
Armenia’s top church leader, Catholicos Karekin II, faces criminal charges alongside six other clergy for ignoring a court order to reinstate a bishop they ousted — a move seen as part of escalating tensions with Prime Minister Pashinyan’s government. The fallout stems from the church’s fierce opposition to Armenia’s 2024 border concessions to Azerbaijan and Pashinyan’s shift from pro-democracy roots. After a first hearing in Vagharshapat was abruptly halted when the judge recused himself — calling it “shameful” — the case will be reassigned. The dispute began when Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, who had called for Karekin’s removal, won a court battle for reinstatement but was ignored by the church, prompting prosecutors to act. This isn’t the first time church leaders have clashed with authorities — two archbishops were arrested last year on charges including inciting coup attempts. Karekin claims the government is deliberately undermining the church’s autonomy.
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