Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said Yerevan does not rule out taking its dispute with Russia over the management of the South Caucasus Railway to an international court if the issue cannot be resolved through negotiations. At the same time, he stressed that the Armenian authorities hope to settle the matter through talks.
A court has ordered a forensic medical examination for the arrested mayor of Gyumri, Vardan Ghukasyan. He has been sent to the Republican Medical Center in Yerevan for examination. The politician's condition is assessed as satisfactory, and there is no immediate threat to his life.
In mid-December, Ghukasyan's pretrial detention was extended for three months. The prosecutor's office cited the risk of him committing further crimes if released. Concerns were also raised regarding potential pressure on witnesses and other participants in the corruption case. Furthermore, a criminal case was opened against Ghukasyan for undermining Armenia's sovereignty due to his statements about the need for a union with Russia. This incident was later removed from the case file.
Previously, Ghukasyan's son, Spartak Ghukasyan, was sentenced to two months' detention on charges of hooliganism committed by a group of individuals using information technology.