Judge denies request for oral hearing in Archbishop Ajapahyan's case

Judge Vache Margaryan of the Armenian Criminal Court of Appeals has rejected a defense motion for an oral appeal hearing in detained Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan’s case.

The appeal challenges the pre-trial detention of Ajapahyan, who has been remanded in custody for two months on charges of making coup calls.

In a statement on Thursday, the legal team said the judge had postponed the anticipated date of the court's decision. Initially scheduled for July 24, the ruling is now expected on July 30.

Margaryan cited the need for further review of case materials, the court’s heavy workload and the defense team’s right to file a motion for his recusal as grounds for the delay.