Gegham Manukyan Summoned by Special Investigation Service

The Armenian National Assembly's "Hayastan" faction MP Gegham Manukyan was summoned by the Special Investigation Service on September 27 in connection with the incident that occurred during the parliamentary session on August 25. Manukyan stated this in an interview with NEWS.am.

“What happened was a direct provocation by Nikol Pashinyan and a hooligan act organized by the parliamentary majority. I have literally said this at the Special Investigation Service, and it has been recorded as testimony. The Special Investigation Service has ceased to serve the law in the Republic of Armenia for three years; instead, it operates at the behest of one person—the individual occupying the office of Prime Minister. Now, the Special Investigation Service continues its illegal actions, fulfills their order, and that is why a criminal case has not been initiated concerning the characteristics of mass hooliganism,” remarked Gegham Manukyan.

It is worth recalling that on August 25, during the discussion of the Government's program, a heated argument broke out among the MPs. During MP Vahe Hakobyan's speech, ruling party members reacted from their seats, which led to a scuffle among the deputies. MP Vahagn Aleksanyan from the "Civil Contract" faction got off his seat and kicked Hakobyan, after which he was also attacked by Hayk Sargsyan and Vahe Qalumyan from the ruling party. Moreover, footage shows Vahe Qalumyan hitting Hakobyan from behind. During the skirmish, injuries were also sustained by Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Ishkhan Sagatelyan and "Hayastan" faction MP Gegham Nazaryan.

The Special Investigation Service has only initiated a criminal case regarding the incident of assault against MP Gegham Manukyan.