Political Violence Erupts at Yerevan City Council Session

Political tensions in Armenia intensified this week when a Yerevan Council of Elders meeting descended into violence, leaving an opposition Mother Armenia bloc member injured. The confrontation occurred during a heated session at City Hall, where Deputy Mayor Armen Pambukhchyan, representing the ruling Civil Contract party, accused the opposition of repeated provocations. The exchange escalated into physical clashes, injuring council member Sargis Ter-Yesayan, who sustained head and facial injuries including a swollen eye and possible broken nose. Civil Contract blamed the opposition for provocation, while critics questioned the ruling faction's responsibility in preventing political disputes from turning violent. Pambukhchyan later apologized. The incident has raised concerns about the normalization of force in Armenian municipal politics.