YEREVAN, (Armenia) — Tensions erupted in Armenia’s National Assembly this week as lawmakers debated multiple high-profile criminal cases involving opposition MPs. The most serious charges include terrorism, corruption, and an alleged coup attempt.
During a special session on July 8, opposition MP Artur Sargsyan was physically assaulted while trying to leave the chamber after delivering a fiery speech. The clash prompted Deputy Speaker Ruben Rubinyan to suspend the session. Footage circulating online showed parliamentary security rushing to stop the brawl.
Armenian Parliament: Sargsyan Stripped of Immunity, Faces Terrorism Charges
Parliament approved the removal of Sargsyan’s immunity and supported the Prosecutor General’s motion to detain and prosecute him. The vote saw 62 MPs in favor and none against. Opposition factions boycotted the session.
According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, Sargsyan played an active role in the Holy Struggle movement, which is accused of plotting a violent coup. Investigators claim the group recruited over 2,000 people, acquired explosives, and planned to paralyze Armenia’s infrastructure.
Sargsyan denied the allegations in parliament, calling them “baseless and illegal.” He declared, “We will remove you by force of law and all legal means,” addressing Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan directly.
Authorities also detained Vahagn Chakhalyan, an Armenian–Georgian activist linked to the same alleged coup. He leads the United Javakhk Democratic Alliance, a group advocating for Armenian interests in Georgia’s Javakheti region.
Chakhalyan, previously jailed in Georgia on weapons charges, is now accused of terrorism and plotting to overthrow the Armenian state.
Armenian Parliament: Ohanyan and Minasyan Also Targeted in Legal Crackdown
Parliament voted to lift immunity from Seyran Ohanyan and Artsvik Minasyan, both top figures in the Armenia Alliance and former ministers under previous governments.
Ohanyan, a former defense minister, faces accusations of:
- Illegally acquiring over 10,000 square meters of protected land near Lake Sevan
- Constructing a private villa using state funds
- Accepting ֏58 million ($151,000) in bribes during defense procurements
Minasyan, the alliance’s secretary and former environment minister, allegedly covered up Ohanyan’s crimes by authorizing illegal construction permits and failing to launch disciplinary action.
Human Rights Defender Condemns Violence
Following the parliamentary brawl, Armenia’s Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan condemned the violence, stating, “Parliament must be a platform for democratic debate, not a battlefield.”
The government’s sweeping legal actions against opposition lawmakers mark a dramatic escalation in Armenia’s political landscape. More than 16 opposition figures, including Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, have been detained in connection with the alleged coup plot.
Observers warn the crackdown could further polarize Armenian society and destabilize the fragile post-war political environment.
Armenia Parliament – National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia
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