Mayor of Armenia's Gyumri to remain in custody

Armenian court rejected a special appeal by the defense seeking the release of arrested Gyumri mayor Vardan Ghukasyan.

His lawyer, Aramais Ayrapetyan, confirmed the decision, Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media.

Another appeal regarding Ghukasyan’s arrest has been submitted to the General Prosecutor’s Office but has not yet been reviewed.

The lawyers had presented a 21-page document containing justifications and evidence regarding Ghukasyan’s place of detention in the pre-trial detention center and his health condition.

Gyumri Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan was arrested on October 20, 2025, along with seven other municipal officials, after an anti‑corruption operation by Armenia’s Anti‑Corruption Committee alleging a bribery scheme.

The Anti‑Corruption Court ordered his pre‑trial detention for two months as a preventive measure.

According to the investigation, Ghukasyan conspired with Gyumri’s chief architect to demand a 4 million dram (approximately $10,000) bribe from a resident in exchange for falsifying documents to legalize an unauthorized building and avoid its demolition.

After his arrest, several supporters gathered and tried to block police at City Hall; 29 people have since been indicted for rioting and obstruction of justice.

By Jeyhun Aghazada