Arrests made as Gyumri Mayor’s supporters clash with police outside City Hall

A number of demonstrators who gathered outside Gyumri City Hall in support of Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan after the news of his arrest were detained after the protest escalated into clashes with police.

A heavy police presence was observed at Gyumri City Hall.

The scuffle began when police attempted to take Ghukasyan into custody and escort him out of the building. The mayor’s supporters tried to prevent them from doing so, and a confrontation ensued. An unspecified number of demonstrators were detained.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed the arrests to Armenpress but declined to specify the number of those detained, saying it would issue a statement later.

Authorities said earlier on Monday that Ghukasyan and seven other Gyumri City Hall staffers are suspected of corruption.

The Investigative Committee said it launched criminal proceedings into rioting and obstruction of justice.