Gyumri mayor says authorities seek his removal

The opposition mayor of Gyumri, Vardan Ghukasyan, has accused the Armenian authorities of attempts to remove him from office following a law enforcement raid on City Hall and his arrest on corruption charges.

Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Committee said Ghukasyan and seven other municipal officials were detained as part of a criminal probe into large-scale bribery.

In a Facebook post shortly after the arrests, Ghukasyan called on Gyumri residents to “defend the city and their dignity”, insisting that the developments were not just about him but about “the city’s independence”.

"Rise up and let your voice be heard. Gyumri’s strength lies in its people," he added.