On October 1, 2025, during the question-and-answer session of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, the Prime Minister’s threats against the Mayor of Gyumri, as well as his speech calling for intensified political persecution using “political instruments,” were a direct order to law enforcement agencies to begin political persecution of Gyumri Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan. The Communist Party of Armenia faction of the Gyumri City Council issued a statement on this matter.
The statement also reads: “It should be noted that the Prime Minister’s new wave of repression against the Mayor of Gyumri is related to Vardan Ghukasyan’s political position—deepening ties between Armenia and Russia, not genocidal Turkey and Azerbaijan.
It should be noted that Vardan Ghukasyan, as a politician, expressed his position, justifying it with historical facts and challenges.
Therefore, the public threat made by Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, from the highest podium in the country, against the elected opposition mayor of Gyumri, is aimed at the moral and physical destruction of freedom of speech, thought, and dissent.
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia must realize that he is the leader of a force rejected and defeated by the residents of Gyumri in the local elections.
The election results were not and could not be challenged by anyone, including any government body.
We condemn the persecution of the mayor of Gyumri by state decrees carried out by some incompetent, dishonest, and malicious members of parliament.
Leave Gyumri alone, DO YOUR JOB, AND ACCEPT REALITY.