Investigative Committee launches criminal probe into protests

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Ministry of Internal Affairs has confirmed that 23 individuals were detained near the Gyumri Municipality building and taken to territorial departments of Community Police, according to Pastinfo.

The detentions occurred as supporters of arrested Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan gathered in front of city hall, where tensions escalated during ongoing investigative actions. These included the arrest of Chief Architect Henrik Gasparyan and six other municipal officials as part of a broader corruption case.

According to the Investigative Committee, a criminal case has been initiated under three articles of Armenia’s Criminal Code:

• Article 327 (1) – Participation in mass disturbances
• Article 452 (3) – Interference with lawful duties or political activities of officials
• Article 486 (2.1) – Obstruction of justice or interference in a legal investigation

The Investigative Committee stated that a group of individuals gathered near and inside the municipality, including near entrances, with the intent to obstruct law enforcement. The group allegedly engaged in violent acts, damaged property, and used force against police officers in an attempt to hinder their legal duties.

A special investigative team has been assigned to the case.

The committee warned that interference with the lawful activities of investigative or police authorities is a criminal offense and urged the public to refrain from any unlawful conduct.

Earlier, the Anti-Corruption Committee reported that several Gyumri municipal officials, including the mayor and chief architect, were arrested on charges of giving and receiving large-scale bribes. A total of eight individuals have been detained.