That's it. Vardan Ghukasyan Makes Statements in Court

The court session regarding the case of Gyumri Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan continues. During today's session, the detained mayor made a statement, asserting that political persecution is being carried out against opposition mayors.

According to Vardan Ghukasyan, mayors elected through democratic means are being prosecuted and imprisoned solely so that they cannot express their opinions and hinder the actions of the authorities. “The mayors who are elected by the people are today being imprisoned and condemned,” he declared in court.

Ghukasyan also categorically denied the corruption accusations leveled against him, emphasizing that he has never had any agreements regarding bribery with anyone. As an example, he mentioned Henrik Gasparyan, with whom he had worked for nearly 10 years. “Henrik Gasparyan, who has worked with me for 10 years, has never brought me even a ‘Coca-Cola’ as a gift. When I became mayor, I said the first thing I would do is release Henrik Gasparyan,” he noted.

In his speech, Vardan Ghukasyan also expressed harsh statements towards the participants in the proceedings, stating that such a methodology is destructive for the country. “This way you receive an easy and calm salary, support your children, while you bring destruction upon us. God's judgment will fall upon your heads, that’s it,” said the detained mayor of Gyumri.

The court session continues.