Alen Simonyan on Collecting Chairs from the National Assembly Corridor

National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan made a statement: "For two days, I have quietly observed how some media outlets and journalists have been engaged in a senseless discussion, claiming that Alen Simonyan has punished journalists. Now that everyone has expressed their views, and the human rights defenders have shared their opinions, many have also given their 'professional' assessments, as everyone has voiced their opinions in the comments, and video titles like 'Look at what Alen Simonyan has done' have garnered over 100k views, it seems like everyone is satisfied. Here’s what actually happened:

In the corridors of the National Assembly, some individuals allow themselves to sprawl on chairs and exhibit indecent behavior. Noticing this phenomenon, I instructed to collect the chairs. Afterward, operators came to me, along with a journalist who, although I did not see at that moment, I accepted since I noticed that he posted three photos in four minutes, making everyone victims, portraying me as a monster, and ridiculing. In response, other journalists began to insult each other under that post, mock, and argue with other users. The journalist was forced to remove the insults from his fellow journalists and correct his post.

During the conversation, I stated that such actions are unacceptable when people are passing by—one cannot sprawl and show contempt for people, regardless of whether they come from the ruling party, the former ruling party, or the Armenia coalition. It does not matter who it is, whether a deputy or a minister—this behavior is unacceptable. I and the operator understood each other; one of the guys even apologized, to his credit. In the evening, a larger number of chairs were returned to the corridor.

Indeed, such behavior will not go unanswered. I know well who will stand up for whom, who will take off their hat, and what for—I have long passed that stage. But respect for state institutions, individuals, and the country will have no alternative, whether it is in the National Assembly building, on the street, or elsewhere.”