Alen Simonian Shouts Insults Heard in the Hallways: New Scandal

The newspaper "Zhoghovurd" reports: "On Tuesday, October 31, the President of the National Assembly, Alen Simonian, once again displayed hooligan behavior in the National Assembly of Armenia. According to exclusive information from the newspaper, he shouted insults and used street language that was audible in the hallways.

Yesterday, after noon, a noisy incident occurred in the corridor leading to the cafeteria in the section of the National Assembly occupied by the opposition ‘Hayastan’ faction, involving MediaHub.am journalist Vahe Makaryan and President Alen Simonian. Our information suggests that Vahe Makaryan approached Alen Simonian requesting an interview, but the conversation did not go as desired, escalating into a conflict where mutual insults were exchanged, heard throughout the Parliament. The situation heated up so much that the security personnel surrounding the President of the National Assembly ‘as per tradition’ held Vahe Makaryan's hands, probably to prevent Simonian from hitting or spitting at him. Fortunately, this time Alen Simonian did not spit and, while he shouted insults and displayed aggressive behavior, he did not strike.

"Zhoghovurd" contacted Vahe Makaryan to clarify what happened. He confirmed that indeed an incident occurred between him and Alen Simonian yesterday, stating that our information was accurate and during their conversation, the situation became so tense that Simonian’s security personnel held the journalist’s hands. “There was indeed an incident, which I believe has been resolved. I don't know how the information spread; perhaps Simonian's shouts were heard. I am unsure if they held my hands to prevent me from being hit, or if Simonian intended to perform some other action as a habit, but at one point, he attempted to attack me, and his bodyguards held my hands, yet Simonian showed restraint, thinking of the consequences, and did not take further actions; that was the end of it,” recounted Vahe Makaryan.

The newspaper also reached out to the spokesperson of the National Assembly president, Movses Harutyunyan, requesting clarification on behalf of the President. However, the spokesperson responded that inquiries should be sent in writing.