Armenia's Anti-Corruption Court assigns judge in ex-mayor graft case

Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Court has assigned judge Sargis Petrosyan to hear a criminal case against former Vagharshapat Mayor Diana Gasparyan, her husband, father-in-law and two other defendants, court records show.

The court received the case on December 29, along with two sealed packages submitted as physical evidence. A trial date has not yet been set.

Gasparyan, a former mayor affiliated with the ruling Civil Contract party, has dismissed the case as a “circus” and said she would address the allegations after the holidays.

According to the indictment, prosecutors allege that Gasparyan abused her office while serving as mayor from October 21, 2018, acting with associates to cause major financial damage to the municipality and to launder money on a large scale. All five defendants are charged in connection with alleged money laundering. Gasparyan is additionally accused of abuse of office resulting in significant harm to public interests.

The co-defendants are Gasparyan’s husband, Aramayis Mirzoyan, his father Ashot Mirzoyan, Shahen Shahinyan and Samvel Badalyan. Prosecutors allege the men acted in coordination with Gasparyan, including by providing assistance and funding tied to the alleged offenses.

A travel ban has been imposed on the defendants as a measure of restraint. Bail has also been set for Gasparyan’s husband and father-in-law.

Petrosyan’s assignment to the case has sparked controversy due to his prior candidacy for parliament with the My Step alliance in 2018 and his rapid career advancement following Armenia’s 2018 change of power.

The defendants deny wrongdoing.