The Armenian parliament experienced a chaotic scene on Wednesday as a heated discussion regarding a contentious election promise escalated into a physical confrontation among lawmakers. The brawl occurred during a debate on the election of a member of the Audit Chamber, with the incident being broadcast live to the public.

Taron Chakhoyan, a member of the ruling Civil Contract party, sparked the altercation by referencing a pre-election comment made by a relative of opposition leader Narek Karapetyan. During the debate, Chakhoyan reminded Karapetyan that his cousin had not yet apologised for suggesting the establishment of a separate ministry aimed at addressing women’s issues, should the opposition come to power.

This remark reportedly triggered an emotional response from Karapetyan, who initially reacted from his seat before moving to the podium, which led to a physical confrontation. The situation quickly deteriorated, with lawmakers engaging in punches and kicks. The altercation reportedly extended into the corridors of the parliament, where security personnel and other members attempted to separate those involved.

Reactions from Parliamentary Leadership

Following the incident, Parliament Speaker Ruben Rubinyan addressed the situation, placing primary responsibility on Karapetyan. He stated that he had reviewed footage of the exchange during a break and found no offensive remarks made by Chakhoyan. Rubinyan remarked, “Mr. Karapetyan, you failed to control your emotions, made offensive remarks from your seat, and then stood up and attempted to hit Taron Chakhoyan.”

Rubinyan also noted that opposition MP Garnik Davtyan had struck Chakhoyan as the brawl began. The Speaker emphasised that he had intentionally allowed the live broadcast to continue so that the public could witness the events unfolding within the parliament. This decision underscored the significance of transparency in parliamentary proceedings.

In the aftermath of the brawl, an ambulance was dispatched to the parliamentary building. Reports indicated that opposition MP Andranik Gevorgyan sustained injuries, including bleeding from the nose, while fellow MP Ruben Mkhitaryan was seen with torn clothing. These developments raised concerns about the safety and decorum within the legislative body.

Public and Media Response

The public reaction to the incident has been significant, with many expressing shock at the violent outbreak within the parliament. The live broadcast allowed viewers to witness the altercation in real time, prompting discussions about the conduct of elected officials. The event has raised questions regarding the professionalism and decorum expected from members of the legislative assembly.

Media outlets have extensively covered the incident, with various reports highlighting the chaotic nature of the parliamentary proceedings. The brawl has sparked debates about the political climate in Armenia and the challenges faced by lawmakers in maintaining civility during discussions on contentious issues.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact the dynamics within the Armenian parliament and the broader political landscape. Lawmakers may need to address the underlying tensions that led to such a public display of aggression to restore order and trust in the legislative process.

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