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Court hearing involving Catholicos Karekin II and six bishops held behind closed doors

07 August 2026 17:02 (UTC +04:00)

The court hearing involving Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and six bishops is being held behind closed doors, Armenian media reports.

The judge made the decision on the grounds that certain personal data were being examined, and members of the media were removed from the courtroom.

The judge did not rule out the possibility that the court proceedings could be held in a different format at a later stage.

Karekin II decided to attend the hearing in person.

Recall that Armenia's Investigative Committee opened a criminal case after Karekin II decided to dismiss Bishop Gevork Saroyan from his position. Saroyan is reported to have supported the authorities in the conflict with the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Armenia Karekin II Catholicos of All Armenians Armenian Apostolic Church Gevork Saroyan court hearing closed-door trial Investigative Committee bishops Yerevan