VIDEO: "Turn Off the Microphone" – Debate Between Alen Simonyan and Gegham Manukyan

During today's National Assembly session, when the draft amendments to the "Law on Military Service and Military Status" presented by the government was put to a vote, the members of the "Armenia" faction abstained from voting. Gegham Manukyan stated: "Naturally, it is difficult to reject any initiative regarding long-term service in the armed forces based on the principle of volunteerism, and this is commendable. But it must be noted that the justifications state that the 'I Am' program has failed, which was introduced in 2017, and has collapsed during these four years under this government."

National Assembly President Alen Simonyan responded: "What does that have to do with the rules of procedure? Why didn't you raise this during the discussion of the law? I would even say, during the committee meeting." Gegham Manukyan tried to explain their rationale for abstaining from the vote. "Turn off the microphone! This is not about the rules of procedure," Alen Simonyan responded and proceeded to turn off Gegham Manukyan's microphone.