Opposition boycotts parliament debate on Seyran Ohanyan's immunity

At a special parliament session on Friday, opposition lawmakers walked out in protest as discussions began on stripping Hayastan faction head Seyran Ohanyan of parliamentary immunity to allow for his criminal prosecution. Similar motions were on the agenda for MPs Artsvik Minasyan and Artur Sargsyan.

Ohanyan, a former defense minister, is accused of unlawfully acquiring protected land in Sevan National Park to build a private mansion, accepting 58 million drams in bribes, money laundering and failing to declare property in asset disclosures. Minasyan, a former environment minister, is accused of facilitating the legal cover-up of the land seizure during his term.

The opposition Hayastan and Pativ Unem factions condemned the proceedings and boycotted the session.