Lawyers for the arrested pro-Russian mayor of Gyumri have demanded his release

The defense team for Vardan Ghukasyan, the mayor of Gyumri, the second-largest city in Armenia, has demanded his immediate release. His lawyers claim that Ghukasyan's detention for the past 12 days is illegal.

The number of defendants in the case surrounding the mass riots that erupted in Gyumri on October 20 in protest of the mayor's arrest has reached 43. Currently, 26 people are in custody, 15 are under house arrest, and one is under administrative supervision.

Ghukasyan was arrested on charges of bribery, followed by a new charge of "public calls for the renunciation of Armenia's sovereignty." The mayor's defense team believes the charges are politically motivated, citing his statements in favor of a union with Russia while preserving Armenia's sovereignty.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that arguments in favor of cooperation with Russia cannot be viewed as undermining sovereignty.

Последние новости
Nalchik Resident Fined for Selling Banned Religious Book
Society
Nalchik Resident Fined for Selling Banned Religious Book
22 September 2026

The Nalchik City Court has fined a 40-year-old local resident for distributing extremist materials. According to law enforcement, the woman posted an advertisement on an online platform to sell a religious book that had been added to the Federal List of Extremist Materials in 2015.
Human rights
"They’ll take you anyway": Movlaev recounts conversation with Kazakhstani prosecutor
22 September 2026

Mansur Movlaev, a native of Chechnya currently held in Kazakhstan pending extradition, has recounted a conversation with a representative of the Penal System Committee following two suicide attempts. According to Movlaev, the prosecutor stated that the Russian side would succeed in having him returned regardless, while also mentioning the possibility of him becoming a "martyr."
AI Center Aiming to Become One of Europe’s Largest Launches in Armenia
Economy
AI Center Aiming to Become One of Europe’s Largest Launches in Armenia
22 September 2026

In August, the American startup Firebird launched an AI-focused data center in Hrazdan, located approximately 45 kilometers from Yerevan. The company plans to ramp up the facility's capacity to 300 MW and install over 70,000 Nvidia chips by the end of 2027.
Kadyrov’s nephew placed in charge of new foreign asset following Putin’s decree
Politics
Kadyrov’s nephew placed in charge of new foreign asset following Putin’s decree
22 September 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again "nationalized" the assets of a foreign company. This time, he signed a decree placing the "Aptar Vladimir" enterprise—owned by the US-based plastic products and packaging manufacturer Aptar—under temporary management.