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Gyumri Mayor Arrested Amid Bribery Scandal and Protests

10/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Vardan Ghukasyan, Gyumri's mayor, was arrested on bribery charges as protests outside his office gathered.
Authorities are cracking down on government critics ahead of next June's parliamentary election.
Ghukasyan, an ally of former president Robert Kocharyan, is accused of demanding a $10,000 bribe tied to an unauthorized building project.
Protests outside Ghukasyan's office led to at least 23 detentions.
Ghukasyan's son faces extortion charges, which the mayor says are politically motivated.

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Story summary

Vardan Ghukasyan, Gyumri's mayor, was arrested on bribery charges as protests outside his office gathered.
Authorities are cracking down on government critics ahead of next June's parliamentary election.
Ghukasyan, an ally of former president Robert Kocharyan, is accused of demanding a $10,000 bribe tied to an unauthorized building project.
Protests outside Ghukasyan's office led to at least 23 detentions.
Ghukasyan's son faces extortion charges, which the mayor says are politically motivated.