Armenian Parliament Erupts as Levon Kocharyan, Hakob Arshakyan Clash Over Corruption Allegations

Tensions flared in the National Assembly of Armenia on Wednesday as opposition MP Levon Kocharyan and NA deputy speaker Hakob Arshakyan clashed over accusations involving former President Robert Kocharyan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The heated exchange quickly escalated into a physical altercation among lawmakers, showing the deep divide between the ruling Civil Contract party and the opposition Hayastan alliance.

The incident unfolded after Levon Kocharyan responded to remarks by Pashinyan, who had suggested that the public was questioning why Robert Kocharyan, Levon’s father, was not under arrest. Levon Kocharyan countered, stating that when he meets with citizens, they ask why 'traitors without a homeland' are still in power. He accused Pashinyan of being unbothered by labels such as 'traitor' but particularly sensitive to corruption allegations.

Kocharyan also referred to what he described as Pashinyan’s 'nervous, hysterical movements and threats' during a recent parliamentary question-and-answer session. These comments drew a stern response from Arshakyan, who, while at the rostrum, suggested that people accuse Robert Kocharyan of being a 'Turk' and a 'traitor without a homeland.' Arshakyan further alleged that during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Robert Kocharyan and his family had fled Artsakh, leaving the people behind.

When Levon Kocharyan attempted to respond from his seat, Arshakyan demanded he sit down, warning him to stay quiet or be removed from the hall. Despite the admonition, tempers flared, and the session descended into chaos as lawmakers hurled insults and advanced toward one another, prompting a brief physical confrontation.

The altercation was eventually stopped, and Arshakyan resumed his speech. However, the incident shows the growing political animosity within Armenia’s parliament as allegations of corruption, nepotism, and betrayal continue to fuel public and political discord.

This clash follows a string of contentious exchanges in recent months. On May 7, Pashinyan publicly referred to a Hayastan MP as a 'moron,' further escalating tensions between the two factions. Levon Kocharyan referenced that incident, accusing Pashinyan of hypocrisy for chastising his opposition while allegedly protecting his allies.

Meanwhile, Civil Contract MP Arusyak Julhayian urged the opposition to address alleged corruption within their ranks, pointing to Robert Kocharyan’s family assets, which prosecutors are reportedly seeking to confiscate. Levon Kocharyan dismissed these claims, asserting that the assets were lawfully acquired.

The recent parliamentary turmoil is not unprecedented. In April, tensions boiled over after Hayastan introduced a bill to toughen penalties for those denying the Armenian Genocide of 1915. Pashinyan’s controversial comments regarding the genocide further inflamed passions, leading to yet another confrontation in the National Assembly.

Observers note that the escalating conflicts within Armenia’s parliament may have bigger implications for the country’s political stability, as public frustration grows over unresolved corruption cases, economic hardships, and lingering security concerns following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war.