Judge recuses himself in criminal case involving Catholicos Karekin II

ArmInfo. Judge Hakob Manukyan, who was scheduled to preside over the first hearing in the case of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and six bishops, members of the Supreme Spiritual Council, has recused himself.  Attorney Ara Zohrabyan announced this to journalists on August 7.

According to Zohrabyan, the judge stated during the proceedings that  he had previously worked as an attorney, with Zohrabyan noting that  he had personally issued his license. "In my opinion, this does not  constitute grounds for recusal. However, the judge noted that it  could raise some doubts. In any case, I welcome this decision.  Essentially, he refused to be part of this shameful process, although  from a legal standpoint the judge did not have to do so," Zohrabyan  noted.

The lawyer clarified that that the case will now be reassigned to  another judge, who will schedule a new hearing. "If the next judge  does not recuse themselves, the case will be heard," Zohrabyan added,  expressing his belief that efforts will be made to hold future  hearings behind closed doors, while the defense intends to advocate  for open sessions.

Following the hearing, Catholicos Karekin II headed to the Mother See  of Holy Etchmiadzin, accompanied by supporters who had gathered  outside the courthouse.