The Court of Criminal Appeals of Armenia has rejected a motion filed by the defense team of Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, head of the Shirak Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, to hold an oral hearing in the appeal case. The defense announced the decision.
Judge Vache Margaryan ruled that the court's decision, originally scheduled for July 24, will now be issued on July 30, as reported by Armenpress.
The postponement was justified by the need for further examination, the court's workload, and giving the defense an opportunity to file a recusal motion against the judge if necessary.
Earlier reports indicated that the preliminary investigation in Archbishop Ajapahyan’s case had been completed.
Justice Minister Srbuhi Galyan has not ruled out visiting detained clergy members Mikael Ajapahyan and Bagrat Galstanyan if needed, Radar Armenia reported.
“I’m not ruling anything out. Why not? God forbid they face serious issues—I am ready to meet with everyone,” she said during a briefing with reporters.
Ajapahyan faces charges under Article 422, Part 2 of Armenia’s Criminal Code for allegedly making public statements via media and digital platforms that, according to law enforcement, incited the seizure of power and the overthrow of the constitutional order. On June 28, he was sentenced to two months in prison.
