I Condemn the Murder of the Mayor of Mechavan: My Attempted Assassination Remains Unsolved, Ghukasyan

The Mayor of Gyumri, Vardan Ghukasyan, has issued a statement: 'The Armenian public was shocked yesterday by the news of the barbaric murder of the Mayor of Mechavan. This is a testament to the lawlessness prevailing in our country, the lack of justice and fair trial, the operations of deadly gangs, and their impunity. In fact, the country’s law enforcement system is occupied with repressions and pressures against dissenters instead of preventing these crimes.'

'I strongly condemn the murder of Mechavan Mayor Volodya Grigoryan, reminding that my attempted assassination organized on April 2, 2007, which resulted in the deaths of four of my friends and left Deputy Mayor Gagik Manukyan severely wounded, remains unsolved. This politically motivated crime has unfortunately given rise to new ones. Mayors elected by the people, who enjoy their trust and love, have become live targets, while the threats heard from the highest leadership are treated as state policy.'

'I extend my condolences to the family of Mechavan Mayor Volodya Grigoryan and the residents of Mechavan,' Ghukasyan wrote.