A member of Armenia’s National Assembly and former ally of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Ovik Agazaryan, called on Russia not to fall for provocations from Yerevan, triggering a strong reaction from MPs of the ruling “Civil Contract” faction.

Axar.az informs “I ask and urge the Russian side not to fall for our provocation,” the MP said from the parliamentary podium.

Following his statement, members of Armenia’s ruling faction began shouting “shame” at Agazaryan as he left the podium. The loudest reaction came from Arman Yeghoyan, Chairman of the Standing Committee on European Integration, who accused the MP of serving the interests of a foreign state.

As tensions escalated, MPs jumped from their seats, and a verbal altercation quickly turned into a physical scuffle. Agazaryan threw a water bottle at a fellow MP who had insulted him with profanity.

Armenia’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Akop Arshakyan, expelled Agazaryan from the session hall and banned him from participating in further parliamentary work.