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Former Vanadzor Mayor Mamikon Aslanyan plans to appeal a guilty verdict delivered by an Armenian court on Wednesday.

The Anti-Corruption Court on Wednesday found Aslanyan guilty of abuse of office and forgery, sentencing him to 4 years and 4 months in prison, which was reduced to 1 year and 9 months considering the time spent on remand. He was also fined 500,000 drams and banned from holding public office for 3 years.

Speaking to reporters, Aslanyan criticized the trial, stating there was no evidence or testimony to prove his guilt. He claimed political pressure influenced the judicial process, noting that the judge was apparently "constrained".

The ex-mayor argued that the law was misused to prevent him from taking the Vanadzor mayor's office despite winning the election in 2022.

"I will always remain the winner," he said, condemning the government for targeting "honest public servants".

Aslanyan called for radical changes in Armenia, emphasizing that without an independent judicial system, the country cannot ensure law, order or safety for its citizens and investors.