Justice Minister comments on death of Strong Armenia mayoral candidate in detention

Armenian Minister of Justice Srbuhi Galyan has commented on the death of Arsen Gevorgyan, Strong Armenia party’s mayoral candidate in the Stepanavan local government elections.

Gevorgyan was detained in a case involving the distribution of election bribes and died at the Nubarashen Penitentiary.

The Minister of Justice first expressed her condolences to Arsen Gevorgyan’s family members, relatives and friends.

“Unfortunately, such incidents occur both around the world and in penitentiary institutions. Regarding this case, I will only say that cardiac arrest was recorded. During his time at the penitentiary, he had not raised any health concerns at all, meaning that he had not experienced any deterioration in his health. This morning, he complained about feeling unwell. At around 07:55, the medical officer visited and examined him, and shortly afterward an ambulance was called, following which cardiac arrest was recorded. That is all the information I have; I have nothing further to say,” Srbuhi Galyan said at a press briefing.

Gevorgyan, who headed the Strong Armenia party’s electoral list in the Stepanavan City Council elections, was arrested on October 21, four days before the elections. On the same day, the Anti-Corruption Court ordered his pretrial detention for two months. A total of 14 people were arrested in connection with the proceedings.

According to the charges brought by the Anti-Corruption Committee, Gevorgyan had given bribes to several dozen voters on the condition that they vote for Strong Armenia. Gevorgyan denied the charges.