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YEREVAN, October 7 – Vardan Ghukasyan, the former mayor of Gyumri, has been acquitted of hooliganism charges by Judge Vahe Jivanyan. This information was confirmed by his lawyer, Aramayis Hayrapetyan, yesterday, October 6, 2026.
Background of the Case
The charges stemmed from an incident in 2025 during proceedings at the Anti-Corruption Court. Vardan Ghukasyan and Spartak Ghukasyan allegedly made offensive remarks towards those accusing them of bribery. Following this incident, they were charged with hooliganism, specifically for using information and communication technologies to commit the act as part of a group.
Court’s Decision and Requalification
Lawyer Hayrapetyan noted that the article under which Spartak Ghukasyan was charged has been reclassified. This implies that only Vardan Ghukasyan has been acquitted in this particular case, while the legal status of Spartak Ghukasyan’s charges has changed.
The acquittal of Vardan Ghukasyan marks a significant development in a case that has drawn considerable public attention in Armenia, particularly given his past role as the mayor of Gyumri, a prominent city in Shirak Province.
Source: https://verelq.am/hy/node/178305