Mayor of Gyumri arrested

The Anti-Corruption Court in Armenia has ordered the arrest of Gyumri mayor Vardan Qukasyan for two months, local media reported.

On October 20, security forces searched the city hall, after which Qukasyan and seven others were detained on bribery charges. Investigators allege the mayor and the city’s chief architect agreed not to demolish an illegal construction of around 1,500 square meters in exchange for a $10,000 bribe.

According to media reports, the case involves Sevak Gomtsyan, the owner of the “Fabrika” retail chain. Armenia’s Investigative Committee also opened cases against several participants of a rally supporting Qukasyan under charges of “mass riots.” In total, more than 30 protesters were detained.