Gyumri, Shirak Province, Armenia, February 13 – Former Gyumri Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan refused to attend his court hearing yesterday, Thursday, February 12, 2026. The judicial session, focusing on Ghukasyan’s case, proceeded without his presence, as well as without his defense attorney Zaruhi Postanjyan.
Ghukasyan Cites Health Concerns for Absence
Aramayis Hayrapetyan, another defense lawyer for Ghukasyan, informed the court about his client’s health status. “It is a fixed fact that Vardan Ghukasyan has health problems, and especially diabetes, which can instantly lead to a deterioration of the person’s health condition. The person states that due to medication, he experiences drowsiness. In such conditions, physical presence at the court hearing does not ensure his right to a fair trial,” Hayrapetyan stated.
Ghukasyan’s legal team emphasized that his current medical state, exacerbated by medication side effects, would impede his ability to participate effectively in the proceedings, thus compromising his right to a just trial.
Court Orders Forced Appearance at Next Hearing
Following the defense’s statement, the presiding judge made a decision to postpone the court hearing. Furthermore, the judge ruled that Vardan Ghukasyan must be forcibly brought to the court for the subsequent session. This decision underscores the court’s intent to ensure Ghukasyan’s presence despite his stated health concerns.
The details regarding the specific charges against Vardan Ghukasyan were not disclosed in the available information, nor were the reasons for the absence of his primary defense attorney, Zaruhi Postanjyan. The case continues to draw public attention in Gyumri and across Shirak Province.
The next court date has not been specified, but the order for forced appearance indicates the court’s determination to proceed with the trial promptly.
