Vardan Gukasian Faces U.S. Trial After ICE Detention; Supporters Protest Extradition

The trial of Vardan Gukasian, leader of the Armenian Democratic Party (DOK) and a former military policeman, was scheduled to take place on Monday in Las Vegas but was later postponed to March 10. The case has sparked protests in both Armenia and the United States, with supporters insisting that complaints from the Armenian government triggered the legal proceedings. Last week, it was confirmed that Gukasian is being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the United States.

According to Ani Khudaverdyan, chairman of the DOK party, Gukasian has not committed any crimes in the United States and holds a special legal status regarding his stay. She suggested that the Armenian government’s involvement played a key role in the ongoing proceedings.

“Migration... that’s how I know. Maybe there are other problems,” Khudaverdyan stated, implying that there could be additional factors at play.

In Armenia, authorities have charged Gukasian with fraud, extortion, making threats, and inciting violence. However, he denies all allegations. His supporters believe he is being politically targeted due to his strong opposition stance.

“Mr. Gukasian has many enemies, he is at their throats, but they will be disappointed. Don't forget, Vardan Gukasian is also a dual citizen of the Russian Federation and Armenia,” Khudaverdyan emphasized, questioning the motives behind his detention.

While neither his party leader nor his lawyer disclosed his whereabouts over the past 10 days, reports from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website confirmed that he is being held at a temporary detention facility in Henderson, Nevada.

Gukasian’s lawyer, Levon Baghdasaryan, clarified that the upcoming court hearing in Las Vegas is related to tightening U.S. immigration regulations. He expressed confidence that Gukasian has no legal violations in the U.S.

However, Baghdasaryan revealed that an attempt was made to discredit his client. According to him, a letter was sent from Armenia to U.S. law enforcement agencies, falsely accusing Gukasian of child abuse and stating that criminal proceedings had been initiated against him in Armenia. The lawyer has not disclosed who sent the letter but insisted that there are no official charges against Gukasian related to child abuse.

“Someone, an interested person, has applied to U.S. government agencies, saying that Gukasian is allegedly accused of child abuse. A legal assessment of this will be given,” said Baghdasaryan, condemning the move as a deliberate attack against his client.

Ahead of the trial, Gukasian’s supporters gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Armenia, urging the United States not to extradite him. Protesters expressed fears that if he were sent back to Armenia, his life would be in danger.

“Vardan Gukasian’s life is in danger in Armenia. He should not come. He is doing a greater job abroad, and his voice will be silenced here,” one of his supporters said.

Demonstrators also gathered in the United States, debating the reasons behind Gukasian’s arrest. Some believed the Armenian authorities were behind it, while others expressed frustration and confusion over the situation.

Gukasian’s outspoken nature has sparked controversy. Critics point out that he frequently makes threats and curses on live television, which some view as inappropriate for a political leader. However, his supporters dismiss these criticisms, urging people to focus on his political messages rather than his aggressive language.

At the protest in front of the U.S. Embassy, demonstrators held signs in Armenian, English, and Russian. In a show of national pride and solidarity, they danced the traditional Armenian dance “Kochari” before concluding their protest with a candlelight vigil.

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