In occupied Crimea, the pre-trial investigation into the criminal case against four Crimean Tatar women from the Bakhchysarai district—Esma Nimetulaeva, Fevzie Osmanova, Elviza Alieva, and Nasiba Saidova—has concluded. Since September 5, the women have been reviewing the case files, according to human rights sources speaking to *Suspilne Krym*.
A court has ordered a forensic medical examination for the arrested mayor of Gyumri, Vardan Ghukasyan. He has been sent to the Republican Medical Center in Yerevan for examination. The politician's condition is assessed as satisfactory, and there is no immediate threat to his life.
In mid-December, Ghukasyan's pretrial detention was extended for three months. The prosecutor's office cited the risk of him committing further crimes if released. Concerns were also raised regarding potential pressure on witnesses and other participants in the corruption case. Furthermore, a criminal case was opened against Ghukasyan for undermining Armenia's sovereignty due to his statements about the need for a union with Russia. This incident was later removed from the case file.
Previously, Ghukasyan's son, Spartak Ghukasyan, was sentenced to two months' detention on charges of hooliganism committed by a group of individuals using information technology.