Prosecution Demands 22 Years’ Imprisonment for Ex-Gyumri Mayor’s Nephew

The charges in the case of Vahe Ghukasyan, the nephew of former Gyumri mayor Vardan Ghukasyan (pictured), were announced at the Shirak District Court of First Instance today. The prosecution is asking for 22 years behind bars. 

Recall, Ghukasyan is accused of participating in a shooting on Shirakatsi Street in Gyumri on April 23 that resulted in two men — Harutyun Khachatryan and Artyom Karapetyan — being taken to hospital with gunshot wounds. The latter died in hospital. 

Ghukasyan says he's innocent, saying he only "managed to defend himself". In his testimony, the former mayor's nephew said that during the incident, he also was injured in his right hip from a shot fired by Artyom Karapetyan with his Makarov pistol.