Vardan Gukasian Accused of Interfering with Police Officer's Duties in Armenian Court

During a hearing of a major corruption case in Yerevan, defendant Vardan Gukasian is alleged to have obstructed the legal duties of a police officer tasked with escorting court participants. After the session, he attempted to answer journalists, then refused to allow the officer to carry out the required transport of detained individuals, and subsequently used physical force against the officer. The public prosecutor has charged him under Article 452‑3 of the Criminal Code for interfering with a public official’s lawful duties, and the investigation continues.

Separately, Edvard Sharmazyanov, a member of Armenia’s National Assembly and former parliamentary speaker, publicly asserted that he too is part of the opposition, critiquing intra‑opposition debates and emphasizing the need for unity ahead of upcoming elections. He warned that opposition factions should focus on collective action rather than internal disputes.