'Just shut up': Tensions flare between opposition and pro-government MPs in Armenian parliament

A briefing at Armenia’s National Assembly turned heated when opposition MP Taguhi Tovmasyan accused the authorities of neglecting the issue of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan.

“The matter of Armenian prisoners should be at the forefront of the government’s and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s attention. Yet, because of political expediency, it has been pushed to the background. As a result, Armenian captives remain in a vulnerable situation, suffering mistreatment and torture in Azerbaijani prisons,” Tovmasyan stated.

At the moment, ruling Civil Contract faction secretary Artur Hovhannisyan passed by and interrupted her interview, saying: "First tell them why you don’t attend parliament sessions"

“Just shut up!” Tovmasyan fired back.

Journalists covering the briefing asked Hovhannisyan not to disrupt the interview. He defended his behavior saying questions put to MPs should "serve the interests of the state". Reporters countered that they knew perfectly well what questions to raise.

In a further aside, Tovmasyan addressed one of the reporters, saying: “It’s a pity he is your cousin, dear Isabella, and you’re standing here.” The journalist responded: “Speak freely.”

“Since the ruling party even resents when we raise the issue of captives behind the scenes, let me stress again: the matter of Armenian prisoners and their torture remains up in the air. We see that during Nikol Pashinyan’s high-level and lower-level negotiations, the issue is not put on the table simply because the return of Armenian prisoners would create political discomfort for Pashinyan,” the MP remarked.