Armenian Parliament Erupts in Mass Brawl Over Election Debate

A heated debate in Armenia's parliament reportedly descended into a physical brawl on Wednesday and Thursday, according to reports and agency accounts. The incident, which was broadcast live, involved lawmakers from both the ruling Civil Contract party and the opposition trading punches and kicks following a dispute over a controversial election promise.

Incident Details and Escalation

• Trigger: Ruling party MP Taron Chakhoyan referenced a pre-election remark regarding an opposition proposal to establish a separate "ministry to satisfy women".
• Exchange: Chakhoyan reminded opposition leader Narek Karapetyan that his cousin had not yet apologised for the statement.
• Physical Clash: Karapetyan responded from his seat before approaching the podium, leading to a physical confrontation that reportedly spilled into the parliamentary corridor.
• Injuries and Aftermath: Security personnel intervened, and an ambulance arrived at the scene. Reports indicated that opposition MP Andranik Gevorgyan suffered a bleeding nose, and MP Ruben Mkhitaryan's clothes were torn.

Official Statements and Verification

Parliament Speaker Ruben Rubinyan stated that he reviewed footage during a break and held Karapetyan primarily responsible for failing to control his emotions and approaching the podium. Rubinyan noted that the live broadcast was intentionally allowed to continue so the public could witness the events.

Readers can verify official parliamentary procedures and announcements by consulting primary records published by the Armenian National Assembly or verified reports from established local news agencies such as Armenpress.