MP confirms mother-in-law among Gyumri detainees

PanARMENIAN.Net - Ruling Civil Contract party MP Karen Sarukhanyan confirmed that his mother-in-law, an employee of the Gyumri Municipality, is among those detained in connection with a corruption probe. Speaking to News.am , Sarukhanyan clarified that the arrest is not related to defending Gyumri Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan, adding that his mother-in-law has long served in the municipality, including before Ghukasyan’s tenure, and currently holds an interim post as a senior specialist in the education department.

According to Sarukhanyan, she is not a high-ranking official but a routine municipal worker. He said her arrest may have stemmed from carrying out orders such as calling kindergarten directors, though he did not know full details. “This shows that no one is above the law — if there’s a violation, everyone is equal before the law,” he stated.

Asked whether he would intervene or use political ties to help secure her release, Sarukhanyan firmly denied it. “Absolutely not. I trust our law enforcement system and will accept any decision they make,” he said.

The Anti-Corruption Committee has reported that several Gyumri municipal officials have been detained for allegedly receiving and offering large bribes. Eight individuals have been arrested as part of the investigation.