Gyumri, Shirak Province, Armenia – On January 22, 2026, lawyer Zaruhi Postanjyan announced on her social media page that Gyumri Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan is facing unprecedented political repression. Postanjyan stated that the primary target of this politically motivated persecution is Ghukasyan’s life and health, and she has filed a crime report.
Political Persecution and Inhumane Treatment
According to Postanjyan, the political persecution has extended beyond merely depriving Gyumri and its citizens of their legally elected mayor. She claims that actions are being consistently carried out that border on inhumane treatment and torture, with the aim of forcing Vardan Ghukasyan out of political and public life. These actions, she asserts, effectively implement a part of Nikol Pashinyan’s statement-call made on October 1, 2025, which aimed to remove Vardan Ghukasyan from public life.
Postanjyan highlighted that Nikol Pashinyan’s public statements and the subsequent actions of law enforcement agencies clearly indicate that the criminal prosecution, arrest, and detention of Vardan Ghukasyan are politically motivated and do not serve the true purposes of justice. Furthermore, she emphasized that the denial of medical assistance despite his serious illnesses, which pose a significant threat to his life and health, as well as his confinement for months in a narrow, small, and unhygienic cell, directly confirm that the phase of Nikol Pashinyan’s statement-call to remove Vardan Ghukasyan from public life is unequivocally being implemented.
Denial of Medical Care and Continued Detention
The lawyer stated that despite alarming information about Vardan Ghukasyan’s health condition being available to state officials responsible for his detention, they have ignored doctors’ instructions. They continue to deny him necessary medical assistance and keep him imprisoned in a cell. This situation, according to Postanjyan, underscores the severe nature of the alleged repression.
This report comes amidst a series of other news from Armenia, including a meeting between Putin and US special envoys, discussions on a peace treaty, and various local political and social developments. The case of Vardan Ghukasyan, however, stands out due to the serious allegations of political persecution and human rights violations.
Broader Context of Political Developments
The allegations against the Armenian authorities regarding Vardan Ghukasyan’s treatment are part of a larger political landscape. The lawyer’s statements suggest a pattern of actions aimed at marginalizing political opponents, raising concerns about the rule of law and democratic processes in Armenia. The international community often monitors such cases closely for adherence to human rights standards and fair judicial practices.
The denial of adequate medical care to detainees, especially those with serious health conditions, is a critical issue that often draws attention from human rights organizations. Postanjyan’s report, if substantiated, could lead to further scrutiny of the conditions in Armenian detention facilities and the broader human rights situation in the country.
Call for International Attention
By making these allegations public and filing a crime report, Zaruhi Postanjyan is likely seeking to draw both domestic and international attention to Vardan Ghukasyan’s case. Such actions often aim to pressure authorities to ensure due process, provide proper medical care, and investigate claims of political persecution. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for political discourse and human rights advocacy in Armenia.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by political figures in the region and the importance of independent legal representation in ensuring their rights are protected. The lawyer’s firm stance suggests a commitment to advocating for Ghukasyan despite the alleged pressures. The coming weeks and months will likely see further developments in this high-profile case, as the legal proceedings unfold and public attention remains focused on the allegations.
