Overview
- Defense attorney Zarui Postandzhyan said the court granted investigators’ request to hold Mayor Vardan Gukasyan in pretrial detention for two months.
- The Anti-Corruption Committee reported a criminal case alleging bribe-taking involving Gukasyan and the city’s chief architect, with public prosecution and detention decisions for eight individuals.
- Police detained 33 people after a pro-Gukasyan rally in Gyumri, and the Investigative Committee opened cases on participation in mass riots and interference with officials and justice.
- Attorney Karapet Pogosyan said four demonstrators were moved to a temporary detention facility (SIZO) and that arrests may be considered.
- Gukasyan’s lawyers plan to appeal, call the case fabricated and politically motivated, note he denies guilt, and say most alleged episodes date to December 2024–February 2025 when he was not mayor.