Parliamentary Chaos: Heated Exchange in Armenia’s National Assembly Raises Concerns

25․10․2024
By Tigran Grigoryan and Karena Avedissian
Last week, an incident in Armenia’s National Assembly overshadowed proceedings when a heated exchange erupted between Argishti Kyaramyan, head of the Investigative Committee, and Hovik Aghazaryan, a ruling party MP. The altercation began during Kyaramyan’s speech when an individual sitting at the ruling party’s benches heckled him. Kyaramyan responded directly to the heckler, asking, “Did you say something, deputy in black clothing?” His choice of words and tone drew criticism from fellow MPs.
In particular, Aghazaryan criticized Kyaramyan’s language and inquired about the status of the criminal case initiated by the Investigative Committee against his son. When Aghazaryan sat down next to Kyaramyan, the two engaged in a heated argument. Kyaramyan, responding to criticism of his earlier remarks, doubled down: “There is nobody on Earth who can heckle me. If there were, it means my reaction was too mild––there will be further reactions in the future.”
He then rhetorically asked Aghazaryan why at least two individuals had approached him seeking favors related to the criminal case against his son. This exchange nearly escalated into a physical confrontation, with Kyaramyan and Aghazaryan trading insults.
Although the ruling Civil Contract party has announced an investigation into the actions of Kyaramyan and Aghazaryan, this incident raises significant concerns that extend far beyond mere intra-party disciplinary issues and deep into the foundations of Armenia’s democratic institutions and principles of good governance.
First, Kyaramyan’s behavior in Parliament reflects a clear and troubling disrespect for one of the Republic’s most important political institutions. The National Assembly, as the primary legislative body, should be a forum for respectful debate and thoughtful policymaking. When a high-ranking official like Kyaramyan, who heads the Investigative Committee, engages in such confrontational and unprofessional conduct, it undermines the dignity and effectiveness of the parliamentary process.
Additionally, this incident signifies a concerning disregard for the fundamental principle of civilian oversight of key law-enforcement institutions. In a healthy democracy, law enforcement and investigative bodies must remain accountable to elected representatives and, by extension, to the public. Kyaramyan’s aggressive stance towards elected MPs suggests a reluctance to accept this crucial checks and balances system.
Moreover, Kyaramyan’s claim regarding unidentified individuals attempting to influence the criminal case against Aghazaryan’s son has not elicited any response from other law enforcement agencies.
This silence is deeply troubling and raises several critical questions. If Kyaramyan’s allegations are true, it points to potential corruption within the political system that demands immediate investigation. Conversely, if these claims are unfounded, it suggests a willingness by a high-ranking official to make serious accusations without evidence, which is equally concerning.
This incident is not Kyaramyan’s first brush with scandal. In June 2023, Tigran Arakelyan, a former member of the Armenian National Congress party, accused officials of the Investigative Committee—including its head, Argishti Kyaramyan—of torture. Arakelyan alleged mistreatment during interrogation, citing threats against his family and physical abuse involving electric shocks. The Investigative Committee promptly denied these claims. However, following a complaint from the Human Rights Defender, criminal proceedings were initiated to investigate the alleged torture.
In a related development, shortly after the altercation in the National Assembly, reports emerged that Armenia’s anti-corruption committee had closed the proceedings involving Kyaramyan.
Democracy Watch is a joint initiative by CivilNet and the Regional Center for Democracy and Security, a Yerevan-based think tank.
This material has been funded by UK International Development from the UK government; however, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.