Nikol Pashinyan has defended the actions of ruling Civil Contract lawmakers following a violent brawl in Armenia’s National Assembly, including the use of a chair during the confrontation.
“I condemn violence, but I support the measures taken by the Civil Contract faction today,” Pashinyan said, placing responsibility for the incident on the opposition. Referring to Deputy Speaker Vahagn Aleksanyan throwing a chair during the brawl, Pashinyan added: “Whether with a chair or something else, it is proportionate and right.”
The remarks followed an October 29 parliamentary brawl that erupted during a speech by ruling Civil Contract MP Taron Chakhoyan. Chakhoyan directed remarks at opposition Strong Armenia faction leader Narek Karapetyan concerning members of his family, prompting a heated exchange between the two sides.
The confrontation quickly escalated into pushing, punches, and kicks between lawmakers. Parliamentary Speaker Ruben Rubinyan initially refused to suspend proceedings, saying he wanted everyone to see what was taking place, before eventually declaring a recess as the violence intensified.
Parliamentary security intervened after the fighting escalated. Reports indicated that Strong Armenia lawmakers were removed from the chamber while Civil Contract MPs remained.
Although Pashinyan formally said he condemned violence, he simultaneously praised the actions of his parliamentary faction and defended the use of a chair during the confrontation as proportionate.
His remarks raise questions about the government’s consistency in condemning political violence, particularly when members of the ruling parliamentary faction are involved.
