Jakarta, ThedailyID — A parliamentary session in Armenia descended into a mass brawl on Thursday, October 29, after a ruling party lawmaker made insulting remarks about the family of an opposition leader. The confrontation left one opposition politician with a bleeding nose and several lawmakers with torn clothing.
According to Al Jazeera, the incident marked the third physical altercation inside Armenia’s parliament this month.
The clash began when Taron Chakhoyan, a member of the ruling Civil Contract party, delivered a speech containing personal attacks against opposition lawmakers, particularly members of the Strong Armenia faction.
Chakhoyan reportedly directed remarks at opposition figure Narek Karapetyan and his nephew, businessman Samvel Karapetyan. He also mocked a controversial proposal by one of the family’s relatives to establish a ministry intended to satisfy women.
“Excuse me, it is not my fault that they are preparing to establish a ministry that, in their words, aims to satisfy all women,” Chakhoyan said, as quoted by Al Jazeera.
His comments prompted an angry response from Karapetyan, triggering a heated exchange between lawmakers from opposing political camps. Verbal arguments quickly escalated into pushing, punching and kicking, with chairs also thrown across the parliamentary chamber.
The confrontation reportedly lasted around 30 minutes. Deputy Parliament Speaker Vahagn Aleksanyan was also reported to have thrown a chair toward opposition lawmakers.
The session was eventually suspended by Ruben Rubinyan, while parliamentary security personnel intervened to separate the lawmakers. However, tensions reportedly continued in the parliament lobby even after the politicians were removed from the chamber.
The incident has renewed concerns over repeated physical confrontations inside Armenia’s legislative institution.
