Acting head of Armenia's judicial watchdog formally dismissed

The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), a state body overseeing Armenian courts, has formally dismissed Gagik Jhangiryan as its acting head and member.

Jhangiryan submitted resignation on Friday citing “health problems” two weeks after the release of a scandalous audio recording in which he can be heard warning his predecessor, Ruben Vardazaryan, to resign or face criminal charges.

The judicial watchdog adopted a decision to formally relieve Jhangiryan of his duties on Monday, July 4.