Protesters urge U.S. to ensure fair trial for Vardan Ghukasyan

PanARMENIAN.Net - Supporters of Vardan Ghukasyan, former military police officer and head of the DOK party, staged a protest outside the U.S. Embassy on March 25, demanding a fair trial for him.

Demonstrators held large portraits of U.S. President Donald Trump and Ghukasyan, known by the nickname "Dog." They claimed Ghukasyan is facing political persecution and warned that extradition to Armenia would pose a threat to his life, according to Radio RFE/RL.

“I don’t want him extradited to Armenia because his life is in danger. That’s the main reason. And I’ve always listened to him — let’s put aside the swearing and all that — but one thing’s for sure, he’s honest,” said one protester.

In response to the supporters’ concerns, Armenian National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan assured that no one’s life is in danger in Armenia, even if they have insulted the authorities.

“So what? Many people swear,” he said.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported that Ghukasyan was detained on February 20 as part of immigration proceedings. He had entered the United States on February 19, 2022, and failed to leave by the required date. An American court is currently reviewing Armenia’s 2023 extradition request.

Recently, Ghukasyan sent a message from detention comparing his case to the situation involving Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu in Turkey.

“As one, gather in front of the U.S. Embassy in Armenia and demand an objective — I repeat, objective — investigation of my case from the U.S. government,” he stated.

Responding to his appeal, his supporters assembled at the embassy to voice their demands.

Anush Khudaverdyan, the current leader of the DOK party, said the charges against Ghukasyan are fabricated. According to his attorney, the next court hearing is scheduled for April.

Ghukasyan faces charges in Armenia related to fraud, extortion, threats, and public incitement to violence, which he denies. A Las Vegas court recently denied his request for a change in pretrial detention. He has been in custody for over 30 days.