Fists in the Chamber: Armenian Politics Goes Physical
Today’s session of Armenia’s National Assembly descended into a brawl between members of the ruling “Civil Contract” party and opposition MPs. The immediate trigger was the appearance of General Prosecutor Anna Vardapetyan, who formally requested the removal of parliamentary immunity for three key opposition figures: Seyran Ohanyan, Artsvik Minasyan, and Artur Sargsyan.
But this wasn’t a spontaneous clash — it was the symptom of something deeper: a political system that now uses criminal prosecutions instead of political arguments.
Why Did Anna Vardapetyan Come to Parliament?
Appointed in 2022, Anna Vardapetyan was previously a legal advisor to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. On July 8, 2025, she arrived at parliament to submit official documents launching criminal cases against opposition leaders — and to formally request permission to strip their immunity.
While framed as “routine procedure,” this was anything but routine. It appeared to be a targeted campaign against some of the most vocal and visible opposition figures.
Who Are the Accused — and Why?
1. Seyran Ohanyan – former Minister of Defense. Accused of embezzlement dating back over 15 years.
2. Artsvik Minasyan – former cabinet member and strong voice for national identity. Accused of involvement in corruption schemes.
3. Artur Sargsyan – outspoken MP and frequent critic of Pashinyan’s policies. Charged with abuse of power in a previous role.
All cases were either closed or previously dismissed. Yet now, they resurface simultaneously. Coincidence?
Is This Justice — or a Political Attack?
When legal action is exclusively directed at opposition MPs, while government-aligned officials remain untouched — we’re not dealing with justice anymore. We’re dealing with a tool of power.
Anna Vardapetyan insists on the “independence of the investigation.”
But the public has one growing question:
Does the Prosecutor General serve the people — or simply the will of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan?
What Are the Risks?
• Collapse of trust in the justice system
• Deepening social polarization
• The weakening of Parliament as an institution
• Rising fear among journalists, experts, and independents
Conclusion
Armenia is facing a stark choice:
Will Parliament remain a place of political debate and checks and balances — Or will it become a boxing ring, where fists and indictments dictate the fate of a fragile democracy?
The Prosecutor General must serve the law. Not Pashinyan. Not the opposition.
The law.
And until that happens, Armenians will keep asking the same question:
Where does justice end — and where does political manipulation begin?
By Lida Nalbandyan, Founder and CEO of Octopus Media Group