Monday, September 14 2026 11:34
Alexandr Avanesov

A lawmaker from the opposition Strong Armenia faction staged an unusual protest in parliament

A lawmaker from the opposition Strong Armenia faction staged an unusual protest in parliament

ArmInfo. An unusual action was carried out during the plenary session of the RA National Assembly by MP from the opposition “Strong Armenia” faction Syuzanna Avetisyan, who is celebrating her birthday today.

In response to congratulations from the Speaker of the National Assembly and her colleagues, the deputy stood up from her seat, holding up a photograph of former Artsakh Defense Minister Levon Mnatsakanyan, who is being held in a Baku prison. The photograph states that the general is also celebrating his birthday today. The opposition MP also put on a T-shirt featuring images of all the prisoners being held in Azerbaijan.

It should be noted that the exact number of Armenian prisoners of war  and hostages held in Azerbaijani prisons remains unknown. Experts estimate that there are several hundred of them. Today, the Azerbaijani authorities confirm that they are holding 19 Armenians. Among those held in Azerbaijani captivity are 8 former and current representatives of Artsakh’s military and political leadership. These include former Artsakh presidents Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan, former Foreign Minister David Babayan, as well as parliament speaker David Ishkhanyan, former commander of the Artsakh Defense Army, General Levon Mnatsakanyan, General David Manukyan, and former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan. In February, the Baku puppet court, based on fabricated charges, sentenced Arayik Harutyunyan, David Babayan, David Ishkhanyan, David Manukyan, and Levon Mnatsakanyan to life imprisonment, while Bako Sahakyan, Arkady Ghukasyan, and Ruben Vardanyan were sentenced to 20 years in prison.  The so-called court sentenced the other Artsakh Armenians to up to 15 years in prison. 

POST A COMMENT
Input digits     

News
Yerevan Fashion Week 2026 will be held under the concept <Pink City Yerevan> in honor of the birthday of Armenia’s capital.Yerevan Fashion Week 2026 will be held under the concept in honor of the birthday of Armenia’s capital.
Kobakhidze touched on the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire during the debate and made some curious remarksKobakhidze touched on the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire during the debate and made some curious remarks
Two land plots in the territory of Dilijan National Park returned to the ownership of the Republic of ArmeniaTwo land plots in the territory of Dilijan National Park returned to the ownership of the Republic of Armenia
The “Digital House of Artsakh Culture” was presented in YerevanThe “Digital House of Artsakh Culture” was presented in Yerevan
The “Country to live” party will fight to establish democratic institutions through elections — Mane TandilyanThe “Country to live” party will fight to establish democratic institutions through elections — Mane Tandilyan
PPA: Despite the Repressions, We Will Continue to Play Our Role in Armenia’s Public and Political LifePPA: Despite the Repressions, We Will Continue to Play Our Role in Armenia’s Public and Political Life
Mikhail Galuzin called the EU’s promises to Armenia “ephemeral”Mikhail Galuzin called the EU’s promises to Armenia “ephemeral”
A meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund has begun in YerevanA meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund has begun in Yerevan
Armenia’s Constitutional Court to consider the constitutionality of new regulations stripping citizens of the republic of the right to vote in electionsArmenia’s Constitutional Court to consider the constitutionality of new regulations stripping citizens of the republic of the right to vote in elections
ANCA: Having buried Azerbaijan’s crimes, the U.S. State Department now dances on Armenian graves in ArtsakhANCA: Having buried Azerbaijan’s crimes, the U.S. State Department now dances on Armenian graves in Artsakh
RA Deputy Prime Minister and EU Special Representative Exchange Views on Regional DevelopmentsRA Deputy Prime Minister and EU Special Representative Exchange Views on Regional Developments
The former head of the Sevan community is accused of embezzling property on an especially large scaleThe former head of the Sevan community is accused of embezzling property on an especially large scale
Armenia’s Prosecutor’s Office Wants to Confiscate Hotel and Mansion of Former FFA PresidentArmenia’s Prosecutor’s Office Wants to Confiscate Hotel and Mansion of Former FFA President
Russia has not received any requests from Armenia to withdraw the Russian military base from GyumriRussia has not received any requests from Armenia to withdraw the Russian military base from Gyumri
Armenia’s Defense Minister departed for ChinaArmenia’s Defense Minister departed for China
The interior ministers of Armenia and Georgia discussed the possibility of exchanging experience in combating crime.The interior ministers of Armenia and Georgia discussed the possibility of exchanging experience in combating crime.
Cooperation between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church was discussed in Yerevan.Cooperation between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church was discussed in Yerevan.
The President of the Armenian Tennis Federation discussed with his Bulgarian counterpart the possibility of cooperation in the field of tennis training.The President of the Armenian Tennis Federation discussed with his Bulgarian counterpart the possibility of cooperation in the field of tennis training.
Ruben Vardanyan`s wife donated a collection of paintings to the city of Gyumri.Ruben Vardanyan`s wife donated a collection of paintings to the city of Gyumri.
A delegation from the German Ministry of Defense is visiting Yerevan.A delegation from the German Ministry of Defense is visiting Yerevan.
The AAC expressed alarm over the involvement of foreign diplomats in the dissemination of historical falsifications in Azerbaijan.The AAC expressed alarm over the involvement of foreign diplomats in the dissemination of historical falsifications in Azerbaijan.
The Armenian Defense Minister discussed prospects for developing bilateral cooperation with the French Ambassador.The Armenian Defense Minister discussed prospects for developing bilateral cooperation with the French Ambassador.
The Armenian Prime Minister discussed the development of bilateral cooperation with the Bundestag delegation.The Armenian Prime Minister discussed the development of bilateral cooperation with the Bundestag delegation.
Strong Armenia has a new press secretaryStrong Armenia has a new press secretary
Armenian and US military conducted joint trainingArmenian and US military conducted joint training
A CIS film festival will be held in Meghri.A CIS film festival will be held in Meghri.
Tevanyan: Armenia, like Ukraine and Moldova, is being drawn into the EU’s global warTevanyan: Armenia, like Ukraine and Moldova, is being drawn into the EU’s global war
Discussions have begun in the Armenian parliament on the candidacy for chair of the Committee on Territorial Administration and Environmental ProtectionDiscussions have begun in the Armenian parliament on the candidacy for chair of the Committee on Territorial Administration and Environmental Protection
Georgia’s Prime Minister, at a meeting with Armenia’s Interior Minister, emphasized Tbilisi’s commitment to strengthening peace and stability in the South CaucasusGeorgia’s Prime Minister, at a meeting with Armenia’s Interior Minister, emphasized Tbilisi’s commitment to strengthening peace and stability in the South Caucasus
Magdalena Grono visited Matenadaran to see Armenia’s ancient manuscripts firsthandMagdalena Grono visited Matenadaran to see Armenia’s ancient manuscripts firsthand
Prospects for the development of Armenian-Estonian relations discussed in YerevanProspects for the development of Armenian-Estonian relations discussed in Yerevan
Opposition politician: The threat of Turkish military aggression persistsOpposition politician: The threat of Turkish military aggression persists
NDP: Azerbaijan’s attempts to falsify Gandzasar’s Armenian identity cannot change its true origin and affiliationNDP: Azerbaijan’s attempts to falsify Gandzasar’s Armenian identity cannot change its true origin and affiliation
Armenia ratified the treaty on the procedure for organizing and conducting an international controlled deliveryArmenia ratified the treaty on the procedure for organizing and conducting an international controlled delivery
“Artsakh Union”: Azerbaijan-organized visit of the diplomatic corps to occupied Artsakh is an instrument for denying the Armenian identity of the NKR“Artsakh Union”: Azerbaijan-organized visit of the diplomatic corps to occupied Artsakh is an instrument for denying the Armenian identity of the NKR
A delegation from the Directorate for Peace, Partnerships and Crisis Management of the European External Action Service is in Yerevan.A delegation from the Directorate for Peace, Partnerships and Crisis Management of the European External Action Service is in Yerevan.
Deputy: We do not need a Russian base, but if Russia needs one, it is a matter for discussionDeputy: We do not need a Russian base, but if Russia needs one, it is a matter for discussion
The permissible level of mercury in drinking water has been exceeded in one of Syunik’s settlementsThe permissible level of mercury in drinking water has been exceeded in one of Syunik’s settlements
Opposition figure: Armenia is being forced into a creeping capitulation, and the leaders of key opposition forces are being neutralized to successfully achieve this goalOpposition figure: Armenia is being forced into a creeping capitulation, and the leaders of key opposition forces are being neutralized to successfully achieve this goal
Opposition Figure: Arrest of Armenia’s Second President Driven by the Challenges Facing the CountryOpposition Figure: Arrest of Armenia’s Second President Driven by the Challenges Facing the Country
Aram I: Armenia’s “friends” dance in Shushi and watch with “admiration” as Armenian churches and cultural monuments are turned into Albanian structuresAram I: Armenia’s “friends” dance in Shushi and watch with “admiration” as Armenian churches and cultural monuments are turned into Albanian structures
Armenian authorities want to continue the process of consolidating communitiesArmenian authorities want to continue the process of consolidating communities
Vardges Surenyants’s masterpiece “The Outcast” returns to Armenia after 130 yearsVardges Surenyants’s masterpiece “The Outcast” returns to Armenia after 130 years
The 10th land plot located in Sisian Park has been returned to community ownership.The 10th land plot located in Sisian Park has been returned to community ownership.
As a result of the prosecutor’s intervention, land plot No. 13, located in Grant Matevosyan Park in Vanadzor, has been returned to community ownershipAs a result of the prosecutor’s intervention, land plot No. 13, located in Grant Matevosyan Park in Vanadzor, has been returned to community ownership
Lawyer on Kocharyan case: All means of curbing lawlessness in the country have been exhausted in ArmeniaLawyer on Kocharyan case: All means of curbing lawlessness in the country have been exhausted in Armenia
In Armenia, the text of the oath taken by government members will be updatedIn Armenia, the text of the oath taken by government members will be updated
After the ethical cleansing in Artsakh, manifestations of cultural genocide are being observed in this region.After the ethical cleansing in Artsakh, manifestations of cultural genocide are being observed in this region.
Yerevan City Hall is considering introducing a valet parking system in the cityYerevan City Hall is considering introducing a valet parking system in the city
An Armenian political analyst exposed Hajiyev’s lies and attempts to mislead diplomats accredited in Azerbaijan in occupied ArtsakhAn Armenian political analyst exposed Hajiyev’s lies and attempts to mislead diplomats accredited in Azerbaijan in occupied Artsakh
A lawmaker from the opposition Strong Armenia faction staged an unusual protest in parliamentA lawmaker from the opposition Strong Armenia faction staged an unusual protest in parliament
General Levon Mnatsakanyan marks his 61st birthday in captivity in BakuGeneral Levon Mnatsakanyan marks his 61st birthday in captivity in Baku
Opposition Figure: Armenia Should Raise the Issue of Azerbaijan Preserving Armenian Religious and Historical HeritageOpposition Figure: Armenia Should Raise the Issue of Azerbaijan Preserving Armenian Religious and Historical Heritage
Committee for the Protection of the Fundamental Rights of the People of Artsakh: Diplomatic visits must not become an instrument for normalizing ethnic cleansingCommittee for the Protection of the Fundamental Rights of the People of Artsakh: Diplomatic visits must not become an instrument for normalizing ethnic cleansing
National Assembly Speaker Accuses Opposition MP of Making a “Stupid” JokeNational Assembly Speaker Accuses Opposition MP of Making a “Stupid” Joke
Expert: The circus surrounding the “Albanization” of Armenian culture in the presence of foreign ambassadors in occupied Artsakh is genocideExpert: The circus surrounding the “Albanization” of Armenian culture in the presence of foreign ambassadors in occupied Artsakh is genocide
Pashinyan congratulated Armenia’s Jewish community on the occasion of Rosh HashanahPashinyan congratulated Armenia’s Jewish community on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah
Italian rider Simone Raccani took first place in the Italian rider Simone Raccani took first place in the "Tour of Armenia"
Four years have passed since Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenia.Four years have passed since Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenia.
A high level of fire danger persists in ArmeniaA high level of fire danger persists in Armenia
Read more



Experts
An Armenian political analyst exposed Hajiyev’s lies and attempts to mislead diplomats accredited in Azerbaijan in occupied ArtsakhAn Armenian political analyst exposed Hajiyev’s lies and attempts to mislead diplomats accredited in Azerbaijan in occupied Artsakh
Expert: The circus surrounding the “Albanization” of Armenian culture in the presence of foreign ambassadors in occupied Artsakh is genocideExpert: The circus surrounding the “Albanization” of Armenian culture in the presence of foreign ambassadors in occupied Artsakh is genocide
An Armenian historian harshly criticized the visit of Western coalition diplomats to occupied ArtsakhAn Armenian historian harshly criticized the visit of Western coalition diplomats to occupied Artsakh
Armenian expert: TRIPP and European integration are incompatibleArmenian expert: TRIPP and European integration are incompatible
Azerbaijani studies expert : Ruben Vardanyan’s wife threatened with arrest if she visits BakuAzerbaijani studies expert : Ruben Vardanyan’s wife threatened with arrest if she visits Baku
Read more
Commented
Political scientist: If Russian-Armenian relations are destroyed, Turkey will take Russia`s placePolitical scientist: If Russian-Armenian relations are destroyed, Turkey will take Russia`s place
Political scientist: The Armenian public is simply obliged to significantly change the entire content of public discourse and strugglePolitical scientist: The Armenian public is simply obliged to significantly change the entire content of public discourse and struggle
Cross tattoos are being removed from the skin of Christian prisoners in Azerbaijan by fire, according to a human rights activist.Cross tattoos are being removed from the skin of Christian prisoners in Azerbaijan by fire, according to a human rights activist.
Zakharova: Armenia`s likely introduction of visas with Russia will be a step against Yerevan itselfZakharova: Armenia`s likely introduction of visas with Russia will be a step against Yerevan itself
Putin: Armenia`s recognition of Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan in Prague has given Russia`s position on this issue an ambivalent characterPutin: Armenia`s recognition of Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan in Prague has given Russia`s position on this issue an ambivalent character
Putin: Armenia`s adoption of the law on EU accession means an announcement of its withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic UnionPutin: Armenia`s adoption of the law on EU accession means an announcement of its withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union
Medvedev: Yerevan will never become an EU member, but it will permanently damage relations with the Eurasian Economic Union, including with Moscow.Medvedev: Yerevan will never become an EU member, but it will permanently damage relations with the Eurasian Economic Union, including with Moscow.
Aram Vardevanyan: Public demands solutions, not apology scandals in  ParliamentAram Vardevanyan: Public demands solutions, not apology scandals in  Parliament
Arrested Armenian oligarch on economy and new jobs Arrested Armenian oligarch on economy and new jobs 
"In Baku, we gave a worthy rebuff to the false claims regarding the  past and present of our people" – Former Artsakh Parliament Speaker  from Baku captivity 
NA Vice Speaker candidate  believes his wife`s salary as director of  HayPost is the lowest in the company`s historyNA Vice Speaker candidate  believes his wife`s salary as director of  HayPost is the lowest in the company`s history
RF Permanent Representative: There is no CSTO-Armenia conflictRF Permanent Representative: There is no CSTO-Armenia conflict
Moscow: NATO seeking to Moscow: NATO seeking to "Pull" Armenia away from CSTO Allies
Political analyst: Russia intends to determine which Political analyst: Russia intends to determine which "Camp" Armenia  will choose through a referendum
Narek Karapetyan will give up his parliamentary salary in favor of charitable contributions.Narek Karapetyan will give up his parliamentary salary in favor of charitable contributions.