An Armenian court has found Catholicos Karekin II’s brother, Gevorg Nersisyan, and nephew, Hambardzum Nersisyan, guilty of obstructing an election campaign following a complaint by a candidate from a party allied with Nikol Pashinyan’s ruling political camp.

The verdict was delivered on October 8 by the Armavir Regional Court, presided over by Judge Gevorg Manukyan. Both men were convicted of obstructing election campaigning as part of a group.

The case dates back to November 2025, ahead of municipal elections in Vagharshapat, home to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Harutyun Mkrtchyan, a candidate from Aram Sargsyan’s “Republic” party, accused the Nersisyans of interfering with campaigning in Voskehat. “Republic” has formed a governing coalition with Pashinyan’s “Civil Contract” party in Yerevan. Mkrtchyan himself later publicly supported Pashinyan’s efforts to remove Karekin II, calling for the Catholicos to leave the Mother See in December 2025.

Following the complaint, investigators arrested 68-year-old Gevorg Nersisyan and his son on accusations initially involving hooliganism and election interference. Their lawyer, Ara Zohrabyan, rejected the allegations and released surveillance footage that he said showed a peaceful conversation rather than obstruction. Local residents also disputed the accusations, while Mkrtchyan maintained that his campaign team had faced threats and intimidation.

The defense also alleged political pressure surrounding the proceedings. Both men were initially held in pretrial detention before being transferred to house arrest, which was replaced with administrative supervision in May 2026.

The conviction comes amid Pashinyan’s efforts to remove Karekin II and criminal proceedings against senior Armenian clergymen. In August 2026, the Catholicos and six senior clergymen went on trial over allegations of violating a court order concerning a bishop removed by Church authorities. The Mother See condemned the prosecution as unlawful interference in the Church’s internal affairs.

Further hearings are scheduled for October 15, with sentencing still pending.