Vardan Ghukasyan, the mayor of Gyumri, Armenia's second-largest city by population, has been charged with new statements regarding his comments on a possible union with other states. Investigators have characterized these statements as "public calls to renounce the country's sovereignty" (Article 422, Part 2 of the Armenian Criminal Code). The defense claims the charges are politically motivated, citing international norms.
On October 20, searches were conducted at the Gyumri mayor's office, and Ghukasyan and seven others were detained on bribery charges. Supporters of the mayor attempted to prevent his arrest, leading to clashes with police.
On October 21, a court sentenced Ghukasyan to two months' pretrial detention. A case of "mass unrest" has also been opened, and 33 people have been detained.
Ghukasyan was elected mayor of Gyumri in April 2025. He topped the Communist Party of Armenia's list. Eighteen out of 33 city council members voted for his election.
