Yerevan — Tensions in the political atmosphere of Armenia have once again spilled over into the walls of the parliament. A debate between the ruling “Civil Contract” party and deputies from the opposition “Armenia” bloc during an extraordinary session of the National Assembly escalated into a mass brawl.
This event was broadcast live on the YouTube page of “24 News” TV channel.
According to sources, during the discussion regarding initiating criminal proceedings against Deputy Artur Sarkisyan, he referred to his possible arrest and loss of immunity as an “already resolved issue” in his speech.
“I have decided to dedicate this time to my family. We will go to church with my four children and my spouse. Then, I will voluntarily go to the Investigative Committee,” says he.
After finishing his speech in the parliament, Sarkisyan faced verbal and physical pressure from the deputies of the ruling party as he was leaving the hall.
According to Kristine Vardanyan, a representative of the “Armenia” faction, “Civil Contract” party deputy Vage Galumyan ran after Sarkisyan and attacked him from behind. The situation got so out of control that Deputy Speaker Ruben Rubinyan had to announce a recess.
Vardanyan also emphasized that assistants of the ruling party deputies were involved in the brawl.
This incident is the latest expression of institutional weakness, social tensions, and political polarization observed in Armenian politics in recent years. Such conflicts between deputies could pose a threat not only to the reputation of the parliament but also to regional stability.
In the coming days, Artur Sarkisyan is expected to lose his immunity status and potentially be arrested, which could mark a new phase in political processes.
