GYUMRI, Armenia – Spartak Ghukasyan, the son of Gyumri Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan, has been released from prison and placed under three-month house arrest. This decision marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings against him.
Change in Pre-trial Detention
The change in Ghukasyan’s pre-trial detention was confirmed by his lawyer, Hovhannes Gharakeshishyan, to “Aravot” newspaper. Ghukasyan has been at home for over a week following the court’s decision.
Ghukasyan is implicated in several criminal cases. He was initially arrested on November 21, 2025, after a court session at the Anti-Corruption Court. The charges against him include hooliganism committed using communication or information technologies. His father, Gyumri Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan, faces similar charges.
Allegations of Hooliganism
At the time of Spartak Ghukasyan’s arrest, his defense lawyer, Aramayis Hayrapetyan, stated that video recordings from the courtroom did not contain any sexual profanity, despite his client being accused of using such language.
The legal proceedings against Spartak Ghukasyan have drawn considerable attention in Gyumri and across Armenia, given his family’s prominence in local politics.
Background of the Case
The charges against Spartak Ghukasyan stem from alleged incidents involving the use of communication and information technologies to commit acts of hooliganism. The specifics of these incidents have not been fully disclosed, but the ongoing court cases have kept the public’s attention.
The decision to place Ghukasyan under house arrest, rather than continuing his detention in prison, could be seen as a procedural shift in the legal strategy or a response to new evidence presented to the court. Further details regarding the court’s rationale for this change are anticipated as the case progresses.
Public and Political Implications
The case has broader implications for the political landscape in Gyumri, as Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan is also facing charges. The developments in his son’s case are likely to be closely watched by political observers and the public alike.
The Armenian legal system allows for various forms of pre-trial detention, with house arrest often being an alternative to incarceration, depending on the severity of the alleged crimes and the assessment of flight risk or potential for obstruction of justice.
What’s Next?
Spartak Ghukasyan will remain under house arrest for a period of three months, during which he will likely be subject to specific restrictions on his movement and communication. The ongoing investigations and court hearings are expected to continue, with further updates anticipated as the legal process unfolds.
The outcome of these cases could have significant consequences for both Spartak Ghukasyan and his father, impacting their personal and political futures.
