Armenian church leader stands trial in standoff with government

The trial of Catholicos Karekin II, head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, and six senior clerics has commenced in Armenia over accusations of defying a civil court order.

The proceedings were halted almost immediately when the presiding judge recused himself due to a conflict of interest involving defence counsel.

The case marks an unprecedented legal challenge to the church leadership, stemming from a civil order to temporarily reinstate a defrocked bishop who aligned with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Pashinyan has repeatedly called for the resignation of Karekin II and accused the church of acting as a proxy for foreign powers, specifically Russia.

Church officials and human rights advocates argue the prosecution is politically motivated and violates the constitutional separation of church and state.