Mayor of Gyumri Vardan Ghukasyan declared that he is being targeted by the authorities because of his community activities, while also accusing the government of leading the country toward Turkification. Speaking to reporters outside the Anti-Corruption Court, he insisted he was brought to trial merely for allocating land to residents so they could build homes and service facilities.
“A mayor who lived through the earthquake and doesn’t act this way should be expelled from office and from the city,” he said.
Asked about his son Spartak Ghukasyan, who has been arrested after attending the trial of a clergyman, Ghukasyan responded: “When he went, I told him they will definitely arrest you, something will happen to you.”
As to whether he feared being forced to resign, Ghukasyan replied firmly: “I’m not that kind of person. I’m not afraid, let them do whatever they want, however they want. Everywhere is a place for a man to stand. I’m ready for anything for my homeland. At my age, I don’t need to work in government structures, I want to live in peace, but I see the country is in danger, the country is being led to Turkification.”
Vardan Ghukasyan’s son, Spartak Ghukasyan, was arrested in connection with a criminal case launched by the Shirak regional investigative department. He faces charges under Article 297 (hooliganism) and Article 452 (violence against an official or their relatives to obstruct lawful political or professional activity). He is currently under house arrest.
