Armenians of Istanbul have opened a third case against the Interior Ministry and the Istanbul Governor’s Office over the decision not to permit an election for a new patriarch, Hurriyet Daily News & Economic Review reports.
The lawsuit was issued by an individual whose name was not made public.
Last December the initiative group “We want to elect our own patriarch” organized a press conference, saying they want to elect a religious leader who will represent Armenian community.
Istanbul Armenians collected 5, 359 signatures to oppose Turkish Government’s decision appointing a patriarch vicar replacing current Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople Mesrob Mutafyan.
Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople Mersrob Mutafyan is permanently ill. One group within the Armenian community considers they should elect a new patriarch, whereas another group, objects to this, saying it is against traditions to elect a new patriarch while the elected one is still alive.
via Istanbul Armenians sue Turkish ministry and governor’s office | Armenia News – NEWS.am.