Criminal case launched over threat against Catholicos
Panarmenian.net
A criminal investigation has been launched following a public statement made against Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II. The comment was made by an attendee during a liturgy in the courtyard of Garni Church, which Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended.
According to Sputnik Armenia, the case concerns an incident on December 28, when a journalist asked one of the attendees, “What would it take for Patriarch Nersisyan to resign?” The person replied, “Someone should hit him on the head with a rock and kill him.”
On December 29, the Prosecutor’s Office confirmed it was reviewing the statement and, if grounds for a crime were found, the case would be transferred to the Investigative Committee.
“On January 7, 2026, a criminal case was initiated under Article 330, Part 2, Clause 3 of the Criminal Code (public incitement to violence using mass media or information and communication technologies). A preliminary investigation is underway,” the Prosecutor’s Office stated.
According to media reports, the individual who made the comment is Edward Stepanyan, an employee of the local utility service under the Garni municipality, responsible for water meter maintenance
