Pro-government MPs clash with reporters in Armenian parliament

A heated exchange broke out in the  Armenian National Assembly on Friday after ruling party MPs clashed with journalists covering a committee session.

Defence and Security Committee chair Andranik Kocharyan told reporters to “leave the sessions hall”, addressing journalist Paylak Fahradyan. The incident followed remarks by Civil Contract MP Vahagn Aleksanyan, who claimed that of 11 journalists present, only one was neutral while the rest were “opposition-aligned”. 

When a journalist objected, Aleksanyan warned: “Next time, don’t dare respond to an MP.” He insisted his comments were an assessment, not an insult. Kocharyan added that journalists had no right to react during sessions, saying they should “listen carefully and then report back to their editorial offices.”

Aleksanyan went further, alleging that opposition media outlets were funded to maintain a critical stance. He also told opposition MP Gegham Manukyan to “know his limits,” and remarked that journalists “serve those they represent,” sparking fresh outrage among reporters in attendance.