An international religious freedom watchdog has criticized Armenia's criminal case against Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and six senior bishops, arguing that the prosecution violates the Armenian Apostolic Church's constitutionally protected autonomy just days before the case is due to reach court, CivilNet reports.

Forum 18, a Norway-based organization that monitors freedom of religion, published its analysis on Monday ahead of a preliminary hearing scheduled for August 7 at the Armavir Region Court of First Instance. The seven defendants face charges of failing to execute a judicial act or obstructing its execution after refusing to reinstate dismissed Bishop Gevorg Saroyan despite a court order. If convicted, they face penalties ranging from fines to up to two years in prison.

The case stems from the Church's January 10 dismissal of Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, who had publicly backed Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's campaign to replace the Church's leadership. After Saroyan challenged the decision, an Armavir court ordered his temporary reinstatement on January 16 pending a final ruling. The Church refused to comply, maintaining that the appointment and dismissal of clergy are matters of canon law beyond the jurisdiction of civil courts.

Forum 18 argues that Armenia's Constitution and legislation guarantee the autonomy of religious organizations and prohibit state interference in their internal affairs. It also cites Armenia's international human rights obligations, saying they require authorities to respect the self-governance of religious institutions.

"The case from the very beginning is not in line with international standards on freedom of religion or belief and violates the right of autonomy of religious institutions," Isabella Sargsyan of the Eurasia Partnership Foundation told Forum 18. "The state cannot interfere in the hierarchy of religious institutions. Cases of defrocked priests are not admissible in civil courts."