Robert Amsterdam called the prosecution of the head of the Armenian Church a “moral catastrophe”

American attorney Robert Amsterdam issued a scathing statement regarding the legal proceedings against Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, describing the situation as a “moral catastrophe” and a departure from the rule of law. According to Kizaket.am, the lawyer considers these actions to be dangerous state interference in the internal affairs of a religious organization.

According to the head of Amsterdam & Partners LLP, the trial of the highest hierarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church undermines the foundations of the constitutional order and contradicts the norms of international law. Amsterdam emphasized that for centuries the Church has been the foundation of Armenian identity, and current events pose a threat to the autonomy of religious institutions, which is guaranteed by both the Constitution of Armenia and international agreements.

“Justice cannot serve as a tool for political revenge,” the lawyer stated, calling on the international community to pay attention to the situation. The criminal prosecution of Garegin II and six members of the Supreme Spiritual Council followed the decision to defrock Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, who had openly supported the state authorities in their conflict with the church leadership. Within the Armenian Church itself, these measures against its clergy are considered illegal and politically motivated.

As a reminder, a court in the Armavir region will begin hearing the criminal case against Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II and six bishops. The first preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 7, 2026, and will take place at the Echmiadzin spiritual center.