YEREVAN — A heated confrontation between ruling party and opposition lawmakers in Armenia’s National Assembly escalated into a physical altercation, with scuffles continuing in the parliamentary corridors after security personnel intervened.
The confrontation began during remarks by Taron Chakhoyan, a member of the ruling Civil Contract parliamentary faction, who criticized opposition lawmaker Narek Karapetyan and members of his family.
Chakhoyan argued that he could not avoid discussing the Karapetyan family because, according to him, several of its members were involved in politics.
He specifically referred to Sarkis Karapetyan, a cousin of Narek Karapetyan, who had previously proposed establishing a “Ministry of Sex.” Chakhoyan criticized Sarkis Karapetyan for allegedly failing to apologize to women for his remarks.
Narek Karapetyan responded angrily from his seat, shouting and gesturing toward Chakhoyan.
The verbal exchange quickly intensified as opposition lawmakers approached the front of the chamber and confronted Chakhoyan, leading to pushing and physical clashes.
Although the initial altercation briefly subsided, tensions flared again moments later as lawmakers from both parliamentary factions became involved.
The confrontation escalated into a larger brawl, with several lawmakers exchanging blows.
National Assembly Speaker Ruben Rubinyan, who was presiding over the session, initially declined to suspend proceedings.
“I am deliberately not declaring a recess so that everyone can see this. The session will continue this way. Let everyone see what is happening,” Rubinyan declared.
However, as the confrontation intensified and lawmakers began throwing punches, Rubinyan announced a recess and called parliamentary security personnel into the chamber.
Security officers subsequently escorted members of the opposition Strong Armenia faction out of the assembly hall.
Despite the intervention, the dispute continued outside the chamber, where further pushing and scuffles were reported in the parliamentary corridors.
