Armenian Catholicos Reviews Clergy Court Cases
Catholicos Karekin II met with attorney Robert Amsterdam to discuss legal cases involving detained clergy amid ongoing tensions between Armenian authorities and the Church.
ETCHMIADZIN, ARMENIA — Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II met February 11, 2026, with international lawyer Robert Amsterdam at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to discuss the situation surrounding the Armenian Apostolic Church. According to Arminfo, the conversation focused on ongoing legal cases involving detained clergy and businessman Samvel Karapetyan, head of the Tashir Group of Companies.
The parties reviewed the legal dimensions of the cases and broader concerns regarding adherence to the principles of law and justice. Particular attention was given to human rights protections, guarantees of due process, and the importance of transparency in judicial proceedings. The need to safeguard the rights of the accused was emphasized during the discussion.
Tensions between Armenian authorities and the Armenian Apostolic Church have persisted since May 2025. Several clergy remain in custody, while Karapetyan—previously arrested—was transferred to house arrest in January following an appellate court decision.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Armenian bishops met in Austria amid crisis at home.
