Protests erupt in Armenia over the detention of Gyumri mayor

More than 20 people were detained in the Armenian city of Gyumri on Monday during a protest in support of detained Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan. According to reports, 23 people were detained.

Earlier, Armenia's Anti-Corruption Committee announced the opening of a criminal case against opposition Gyumri Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan. According to the committee, intelligence gathered as a result of operational activities regarding bribery by the mayor and the city's chief architect. Eight people, including Ghukasyan, were detained as part of the criminal case, and public prosecutions have been initiated.

Amid these events, clashes broke out in Gyumri between Ghukasyan's supporters and police. On the morning of October 20, protesters gathered outside the city administration building to express their support for the mayor. Police subsequently used force to disperse the protesters and clear the entrance to the city hall building, detaining Vardan Ghukasyan.

Ghukasyan was elected mayor of Gyumri in April 2025, topping the Communist Party of Armenia list. Eighteen of the 33 city council members voted for his election.

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