13 remanded in custody over 'mass unrest' outside Gyumri City Hall

Thirteen people have been remanded in custody in connection with the “mass disturbances” near the Gyumri City Hall in Armenia’s second-largest city, the Investigative Committee said on Thursday.

The investigation concerns Monday’s protest outside the Gyumri municipal building, where demonstrators allegedly sought to obstruct anti-corruption investigators conducting searches there.

According to the committee, protesters blocked entrances to the building, damaged police vehicles and municipal property, and hurled bottles and lighters at officers while shouting insults.

A total of 37 people have been detained. Prosecutors have filed criminal charges against 19 for participating in mass disturbances and interfering with the administration of justice, and against 10 others for inciting such actions.