Gyumri opposition mayor’s arrest labeled political persecution: Coverage by Russian TV channels

NTV has reported on the events in Gyumri. It noted that additional law enforcement officers have been deployed at the Anti-Corruption Court building, with several dozen police stationed at the entrance. Supporters of the mayor, who opposes the Armenian government, also gathered there. Vardan Ghukasyan had previously been brought to Yerevan, questioned, and charged with bribery.

The Anti-Corruption Committee filed a request for his arrest. The mayor’s lawyer stated that he denies the charges and described the events as political persecution.

During Ghukasyan’s arrest, dozens of security personnel stormed the city hall. Videos show city administration staff attempting to prevent the arrest of their leader.

At the same time, many of Ghukasyan’s supporters surrounded the city hall. Red berets were also deployed. The crowd shouted “Shame!” About 20 people were arrested during the clashes. According to some reports, searches of the city hall building are ongoing.

Vardan Ghukasyan was nominated as Gyumri’s mayor this spring by the opposition, which won the municipal council elections. He has repeatedly expressed support for normalizing relations between Armenia and Russia. Prime Minister Pashinyan described his election as a mistake that “needs to be corrected.”

A report by Russia’s Channel One also highlighted that the mayor of Armenia’s second-largest city, opposition politician Vardan Ghukasyan, has been arrested. The Anti-Corruption Committee accused him of accepting bribes. As noted, Ghukasyan is known as an opponent of the current government. In his first interview, he defended the creation of a union state with Russia, citing Belarus as an example.