Armenian MPs trade punches in Parliament, session adjourned

Members of Armenia's ruling and opposition parties came to blows inside the National Assembly, the country's Parliament. After a heated argument, a brawl broke out in the House, with MPs setting upon one another. A video of the incident is going viral on social media, and strong anger over the violence is being voiced around the world.

There had been political tension between MPs of the ruling Civil Contract Party and the opposition. During the latest session, ruling party MP Taron Chakhoyan rose to speak and the situation suddenly worsened. Opposition MPs were enraged by an insulting and controversial remark he made.

While the House was in session, Chakhoyan criticised the opposition in harsh words. Narek Karapetyan, leader of the opposition Strong Armenia Party, objected strongly from his seat and began shouting. A verbal clash between the two followed.

The war of words soon turned into a scuffle. Other opposition MPs also ran towards the Speaker's podium and clashed with ruling party MPs. The MPs began punching and kicking one another. The viral video clearly shows MPs falling upon each other and some collapsing on the floor.

The proceedings were not halted at first, even after the violence erupted. Deputy Speaker Ruben Rubinyan took a firm stand, saying: "I will deliberately not stop this session, so that everyone sees this situation. The session will continue; decide for yourselves whether to indulge in violence or sit quietly!"

However, the situation worsened by the minute, and some MPs suffered serious injuries to the face and body. The atmosphere in the corridor and the House was extremely tense. When matters appeared to be getting out of hand, security guards (marshals) rushed into the House and separated the MPs of the two sides. The deputy speaker then announced that proceedings were adjourned for some time.

This is not the first such incident in Armenia's Parliament. In early October too, MPs of the Civil Contract and Strong Armenia parties came to blows over allegations of corruption and remarks made in the House. The ruling party and the opposition continue to show sharp differences over domestic political developments and border issues.

After the latest incident, human rights organisations and legislators in Armenia have strongly condemned it. The episode in a body as high as Parliament has dealt a major blow to Armenia's image internationally.