Vartan Ghukasyan, founder of the DOK party, issued a message via his Telegram channel thanking his supporters and asserting that he will not be extradited to Armenia.

He stated that there is currently no need for any fundraising.

“I wish to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who joined the March 25 rallies in Yerevan and Glendale. I want to declare that the wish of the Armenian authorities will remain unfulfilled, and I will not be extradited to Armenia.

Let me add that there is no need for fundraising at this time. I am satisfied with my legal team’s work and am very grateful to Mark Geragos, though his involvement is not necessary. I also thank political figures such as Hmayak Hovhannisyan, Gevorg Petrosyan, and Jirair Sefilian, who had the honesty and courage to openly challenge the Armenian authorities. Meanwhile, the ‘other opposition forces’ remained silent…

‘I will come to your home a little later—with Indians and Arabs.’ I also want to add that Anush Khudaverdyan, president of the DOK party, has remained true to her principles and represents me in Armenia. I urge all party members, supporters, and friends to rally around her. Division and mutual hostility are unacceptable. Dear people, we will not surrender, we will not be disheartened, and we will not be afraid. Our internal enemy is weak, cowardly, but deceitful and malicious. And what is needed for evil to triumph? That good people do nothing…” the message states.

Earlier, it was reported that a Las Vegas court had denied a motion by Ghukasyan’s attorneys for his immediate release. Vartan Ghukasyan will remain in custody.

According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Ghukasyan was detained on February 20 for immigration violations. He entered the United States on February 19, 2022, but failed to leave within the permitted timeframe. In addition to the immigration breach, the court will also consider a 2023 request by Armenia’s Prosecutor General’s Office seeking his extradition.