Armenian opposition boycotts parliament session after Kocharyan arrests
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Armenia's parliamentary opposition boycotted the National Assembly session on August 25 after the Anti-Corruption Committee detained former President Robert Kocharyan and his son Levon. The boycott followed a parliamentary clash between Levon Kocharyan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on August 24. The opposition factions 'Strong Armenia' and 'Armenia' were absent from the session.
Key Facts
- The Anti-Corruption Committee conducted searches at dozens of addresses on August 25, including homes of former President Robert Kocharyan and his son Levon.
- Robert Kocharyan and his son Levon were detained and taken to the Anti-Corruption Committee.
- On August 24, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan promised from the parliament rostrum to confiscate all property of deputy Levon Kocharyan.
- Deputies from the 'Strong Armenia' faction left the parliament hall on August 24 after Pashinyan repeatedly called Catholicos Garegin II by his secular name.
The Boycott
The parliamentary opposition factions 'Strong Armenia' and 'Armenia' boycotted the National Assembly session on August 25. The boycott followed the departure of 'Strong Armenia' deputies from the session hall the previous day. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, presenting the government program, repeatedly referred to Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II by his secular name. Opposition deputies banged on tables in protest, but Pashinyan repeated the name several times, supported by ruling party deputies who clapped and mocked the opposition.
Kocharyan Detentions
On the morning of August 25, the Anti-Corruption Committee reported searches and procedural actions at dozens of addresses. Searches were conducted at the homes of former President Robert Kocharyan and his son, parliament deputy Levon Kocharyan. Robert Kocharyan and his elder son were taken to the Anti-Corruption Committee and detained.
Parliamentary Clash
On August 24, a verbal altercation occurred in parliament between Levon Kocharyan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Pashinyan promised from the rostrum to confiscate all of the deputy's property, stating that Kocharyan would not be able to pass it on to his children and grandchildren. The result of these actions was the absence of the parliamentary faction and the opposition bloc 'Armenia' from the National Assembly session.
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Armenian opposition boycotts parliament session after Kocharyan arrests
