Armenian Parliament erupts in two physical altercations

Two separate physical altercations broke out within the Armenian Parliament between government and opposition lawmakers.

The first confrontation occurred after Edgar Kazaryan, a member of the pro-Russian Strong Armenia party, accused Parliament Speaker Ruben Rubinyan of embezzling public funds regarding recent parliamentary bonuses. The dispute escalated when Vahe Galumyan of the ruling Civil Contract party physically confronted opposition deputy Vaginak Vardanov, leading to a scuffle that required security intervention and a recess.

A second altercation followed during discussions regarding a commission to investigate the crisis involving the Armenian Apostolic Church. Tensions peaked when government lawmaker Taron Chakhoyan addressed Catholicos Karekin II by his secular name, Ktrij Nersisjan, and accused him of ties to the opposition. This sparked further physical shoving and verbal disputes among members, necessitating a second unplanned break in proceedings.