ISTANBUL ARMENIANS SUE TURKISH MINISTRY AND GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

news.am
March 9 2011
Armenia

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.

From: A. Papazian