Five individuals accused in Gyumri’s alleged vote-buying case are now under administrative oversight, while three others have been barred from leaving Armenia, according to the Anti-Corruption Committee of Armenia.

During the investigation into suspected vote-buying, bribery, and violations of the charity ban during the Gyumri City Council elections, eight people were detained and brought before the court to determine pre-trial measures.

On the same day, two of the suspects were placed under travel restrictions, while the cases of the remaining six were referred to the Anti-Corruption Court with motions to impose administrative oversight.

The Anti-Corruption Committee reported that five of these motions were granted, and the suspects were released in accordance with the law. Their cases were transferred to the Probation Service of the Ministry of Justice, Armenpress reports.

Additionally, the court, at the investigator's request, imposed several restrictions on the accused, including a ban on changing residence without permission, a curfew during nighttime hours, and a prohibition on contacting certain individuals.

“The investigative body, guided by the public interest and aiming to ensure objectivity and impartiality in the criminal process, chose and requested measures that would, among other things, safeguard the electoral rights of the participants. Based on this, the Anti-Corruption Committee urges all participants to strictly follow the restrictions and conditions of the imposed measures and demonstrate law-abiding behavior,” the statement said.

All accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a legally binding verdict in accordance with Armenia’s Criminal Procedure Code.