Armenian officials detained on charges of inciting protests

The Investigative Committee of Armenia reported the arrest of three Gyumri mayor's office employees. They are accused of coercing citizens into participating in a protest in support of the arrested mayor, Vardan Ghukasyan.

According to the agency, the officials instructed their subordinates to bring the directors of the city's kindergartens and their staff to the mayor's office in order to prevent Ghukasyan's arrest.

The mayor of Gyumri was detained by law enforcement on October 20 on charges of bribery. The following day, an anti-corruption court sentenced him to two months' detention. Following this, people who had gathered near the building staged a protest. A total of 13 participants in the mass unrest have been remanded in custody. One of the detainees, a minor, has been placed under house arrest.