Tensions flare between Armenian parliament speaker and journalists over 'foreign agent' remark

A heated exchange erupted between Armenian National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan and journalists at a press briefing on Tuesday, following controversial remarks in which the speaker suggested media workers could have been labeled “foreign agents” under different political circumstances.

The confrontation began when Simonyan responded sharply to a reporter’s line of questioning, criticizing what he described as “wordplay” rather than substantive inquiry.

“When you ask a good question, I answer it,” Simonyan said. “But when you start engaging in wordplay…”

A journalist countered that questions were being posed in response to examples raised by the speaker himself. Simonyan then referenced former political figures, drawing comparisons between the past and current leadership.

“I cited Serzh Sargsyan,” he said. “Have you noticed the difference between Serzh Sargsyan and Nikol Pashinyan? Or between Robert Kocharyan and Nikol Pashinyan? For instance, if Nikol Pashinyan had not been in power, the majority of you would be considered ‘foreign agents.’ If the 2021 elections had unfolded differently, most of you would be labeled as such — you would either be in prison or abroad.”

The exchange escalated when a female journalist challenged Simonyan’s remarks. In response, the speaker retorted, “Is this your press conference?” He then physically took hold of the journalist and moved her to the spot where he was standing before stepping away from the exchange, telling others present to “continue asking her questions”.

Visibly taken aback, the journalist questioned the implication of the speaker’s statement.

“Mr. Simonyan, are you calling journalists ‘foreign agents’? What does that mean? Did life not exist before Pashinyan?” she asked.