Vardan Ghukasyan, a former serviceman of the Military Police of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia, a former officer of the Armenian Police, a former candidate for the mayor of Gyumri, and the leader of the DOC (Democratic Choice Party), is currently held in a U.S. immigration detention facility in the state of Nevada.
His story draws strange parallels with the fate of Julian Assange, as both are fighting against misinformation, for national dignity, and against the injustices of state systems.
But unlike Assange, who is being punished for revealing classified documents, Ghukasyan has been imprisoned not for what he did, but for what he said.
Why is he in prison now?
Vardan Ghukasyan is held in custody by U.S. immigration authorities for an alleged violation of immigration rules.
According to official sources, he entered the U.S. as a tourist in 2022 and did not leave the country within the permitted period. As a result, he was arrested in 2024 in the state of Nevada.
However, the reality, as is often the case, is much deeper. Ghukasyan’s lawyers and supporters argue that the case against him is deliberately framed as an immigration violation. The real reason, they claim, is his active political involvement and outspoken criticism of both the Armenian authorities and the opposition.
It was no coincidence that after Ghukasyan’s move to the U.S., a letter sent from Armenia to immigration authorities attempted to portray him as a dangerous individual, even accusing him of pedophilia. This suggests that certain forces tried to discredit him on the international stage to secure his extradition.
The real story: why they are afraid of him
Vardan Ghukasyan is known for his straightforwardness and his ability to speak in a tough and clear manner. He says what many think but remain silent about.
In his speeches, he has repeatedly criticized the Armenian authorities, accusing them of pro-Turkish policies, surrendering Artsakh, weakness in recognizing the Genocide, and prioritizing political interests over national ones.
But his criticism is not limited to the authorities. He has also regularly spoken about the inaction and theatrical behavior of the opposition, calling them “false patriots” who only occupy positions while avoiding real struggle.
A figure like Ghukasyan is dangerous both to the authorities and to the fake opposition. He cannot be controlled, he does not engage in political deals, and most importantly, he has a public audience that believes in him.
Fear within both the authorities and the opposition
The current authorities of Armenia are guided by the idea of “one nation, one leader.” Any voice opposing this idea is perceived as a threat. And Vardan Ghukasyan is precisely such a voice. He is not only opposition; he is a real alternative.
The authorities fear him because he has a voice among the people. His speeches circulate on social networks with thousands of views. The opposition fears him because he exposes their false games and highlights their inaction.
Ghukasyan is the only one who clearly states that these authorities signed the capitulation, and the opposition silently approved it. He demonstrates that the country is heading under Turkish influence, while the authorities present it as a “peace agenda.”
Conclusion: Parallels with Julian Assange
Julian Assange was imprisoned because he dared to tell the truth—against great powers and military machines. Today, Vardan Ghukasyan faces the same fate for boldly speaking out against his country’s leadership.
He is not a criminal, but a thinking person who cannot remain silent while the country is being undermined. His voice is a call for political integrity, and his imprisonment is a blow to the face of truth.
Vardan Ghukasyan must be released. Truth is not just a voice—it is a right. And no one, not even the state, has the right to take away that right.
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