Arsen Ghukasyan, uncle of missing serviceman Sargis Ghukasyan, will be released from custody, following a court decision to grant house arrest and impose a 1 million AMD bail, Judge Harutyun Manukyan of the Avan and Nor Nork court ruled.
“The pretrial detention of Arsen Ghukasyan has been changed to an alternative measure—house arrest, a 1 million AMD bail, and a ban on leaving his residence,” the judge said, as reported by Sputnik Armenia.
Previously, the prosecutor had requested that Ghukasyan’s detention be extended by three months, arguing that he posed a danger and might flee or repeat the offense.
“His actions were directed against law enforcement, which heightens his risk level,” said the prosecutor.
Defense attorney Tatev Soghoyan outlined Ghukasyan’s background and participation in protests, noting that he had never acted violently or shown disrespect toward authorities. She also cited his serious heart condition, which she argued made detention unsafe.
“In March, he had a heart stimulator implanted. This requires continuous cardiological supervision. The investigator says it doesn’t hinder detention, but how can a non-specialist make that guarantee?” the lawyer asked.
Arsen Ghukasyan’s brother Arman Ghukasyan was killed in the 2020 war, and his nephew Sargis Ghukasyan remains missing.
On September 27, relatives of missing soldiers gathered outside the Defense Ministry demanding a meeting with top officials. After a delayed promise of dialogue, they returned on September 29. The ministry later reported that some protesters had thrown bottles at military police. Two relatives—Apijan Sargsyan and Arsen Ghukasyan—were arrested on charges including hooliganism and interference in official duties. Apijan Sargsyan was later released, while Arsen Ghukasyan was detained on October 7 for one month.
