Lawyer reports election-related charges against elderly woman in Gyumri

Kima Hayrapetyan, a 75-year-old resident of Gyumri who lives alone, is facing election-related charges following her arrest during Sunday’s municipal elections in Armenia’s second-largest city.

Lawyer Ruben Melikyan, who has assumed her defense, reported that attorneys had been barred from discussing the case.

"They know that if we speak out, the case will fall apart. We haven’t reviewed the case materials yet, but based on what we’ve been told... I must choose my words carefully to avoid facing charges myself," Melikyan said in a social media post.

The elderly woman denies the accusations, which allegedly involve a promise linked to vote-buying. Investigators have requested administrative supervision, banning her from contacting certain individuals.

The court is set to hear the motion on Wednesday.