Gyumri residents are heading to Yerevan to show support for Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan, who was recently transported to the Anti-Corruption Committee in the capital by law enforcement officers.

“Once we reach Yerevan, we will raise our voices, shout, and protect our mayor. Hold the bastions, people, or we will be overrun,” said Avetis Arakelyan, the first deputy mayor of Gyumri, speaking to reporters.

Hours of tension had earlier unfolded near the Gyumri City Hall, with several clashes between police forces and gathered citizens, including scuffles and fights. Authorities reportedly used force, and some people were detained.

Deputy Police Chief Karen Hakobyan told journalists that the police applied not excessive but proportionate force.

Earlier, on October 1, during a government Q&A session in the National Assembly, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan criticized the leadership in Gyumri, referring to Ghukasyan, and said:

“Gyumri has been governed by a clan for six months, whose head, known to many as Vardanik, or, according to allegations, the father of a local bribery schemer, has allowed himself statements recently that publicly questioned the sovereignty of Armenia. Those making statements against the sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia must be removed from the political and public arena.”

On October 17, Ghukasyan responded by drawing attention to Pashinyan’s remarks, stating that the prime minister should clarify his meaning, as being “removed from the public arena” could be interpreted as a threat to life.

After Ghukasyan’s detention, tensions at the City Hall escalated.