Gyumri, May 29 – Two brothers, Karen and Karush Hovyan, who were implicated in the incidents that occurred on October 20 in front of the Gyumri municipality, have been acquitted. Lawyer Arsen Babayan announced this development on his Facebook page, highlighting that the acquittal was secured during the pre-trial investigation phase.
Brothers Spent Two Months in Custody
The court had decided not to extend their detention period on December 16, 2025. “Although the brothers spent two months in prison, the Shirak Province Prosecutor’s Office finally accepted our claim from the first day that they had not committed any crime,” Babayan wrote.
The Hovyan brothers were arrested from the courtyard of the Gyumri municipality on the same day as the arrest of Gyumri Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan. They were accused of participating in mass riots and interfering with the investigation of a criminal case.
Allegations of Mass Riots and Interference
The arrests were made in connection with mass disturbances and alleged interference in a criminal investigation. However, the pre-trial investigation concluded that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the charges against the brothers.
This acquittal marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the October 20 incidents in Gyumri. The lawyer’s statement underscores the importance of a thorough pre-trial investigation in ensuring justice.
Background of the October 20 Incidents
The incidents on October 20, 2025, involved public gatherings and protests in front of the Gyumri municipality, which led to several arrests, including that of Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan. The exact nature of the disturbances and the specific roles of those arrested have been subjects of intense public and legal scrutiny.
The acquittal of the Hovyan brothers suggests a reevaluation of the evidence by the Shirak Province Prosecutor’s Office, leading to the conclusion that their involvement did not constitute a criminal offense as initially alleged.
Legal Implications and Future Proceedings
This decision could have broader implications for other individuals arrested in connection with the Gyumri disturbances. It also highlights the complexities of legal processes in cases involving public unrest and political figures.
Lawyer Arsen Babayan’s persistent advocacy for his clients, even during their incarceration, ultimately led to their exoneration. The case will continue to be monitored for further developments, especially concerning the ongoing investigations related to the Gyumri municipality and its officials.
The local community in Gyumri has been closely following these events, and the acquittal of the brothers is likely to be met with mixed reactions, depending on individual perspectives regarding the initial arrests and the broader political context.
Further details regarding the specific evidence reviewed by the prosecution that led to the acquittal have not yet been fully disclosed, but the lawyer’s statement indicates a clear finding of innocence in the pre-trial phase.
Source: https://golosarmenii.am/arm/%D5%93%D5%A1%D5%BD%D5%BF%D5%A1%D5%A2%D5%A1%D5%B6%E2%80%A4-%D4%B3%D5%B5%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B4%D5%B0%D5%B8%D6%82-%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%AF%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A3%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%A9%D5%B5%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B6%D5%B6%D5%A5/
