Case of mass riots at Gyumri Municipality sent to court
The prosecutor has submitted the materials of the criminal proceedings against four individuals regarding the mass riots that took place in the Gyumri Municipality building and the adjacent square to the court. The indictment was approved on January 21, 2026.
The case refers to the events of October 20, 2025, when, according to the case materials, mass riots were organized and led, accompanied by violence, damage and destruction of property, as well as the use of force against police officers.
Among the defendants in the case sent to court is Spartak Ghukasyan, the son of Vardan Ghukasyan, against whom criminal prosecution has been initiated for organizing and leading mass riots, as well as for interfering with the legitimate official activities of officials.
Charges have also been brought against Karapet Ghukasyan, a relative of the mayor, who is the assistant to Avetis Arakelyan, the First Deputy Head of the Gyumri community. According to the indictment, he exceeded his official powers and participated in the organization of mass riots.
Avetis Arakelyan, Ghukasyan’s son-in-law, who is the First Deputy Head of the Gyumri community and the Acting Head of the community, is also a defendant in the case. He is charged with episodes of abuse of official powers and organization of mass riots. The fourth defendant, Artyom Mkrtchyan, is also accused under the same charges.
The materials of the criminal proceedings, along with the indictment, have been sent to the competent court for judicial examination.