Tensions Erupt in Armenian Parliament Over 'Jihadist' and Bin Laden Comparisons

Passions flared in the National Assembly during the discussion of Lilit Galstyan's candidacy. Nominated by the opposition "Armenia" alliance, she is vying to lead the parliamentary committee on human rights.

Terrorism Charges and Controversial Comparisons

In his address, Deputy Speaker Vahagn Aleksanyan brought up the ongoing criminal cases against opposition MP Artur Sargsyan and Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, a prominent cleric. According to Aleksanyan, the two are accused of planning to sever internet cables in Yerevan and utilizing specialized devices with the intent to endanger lives.

Directing his comments to the opposition candidate, Aleksanyan questioned whether she would also consider Osama bin Laden innocent. As reported by Factor.am, the Deputy Speaker asked:

"Are you also preparing to call, for example, Osama bin Laden just?"

Exchanging Accusations

Lilit Galstyan refused to entertain the question, arguing that the investigative materials had been heavily edited and that drawing such parallels was entirely unacceptable. The opposition lawmaker insisted that the ruling party official was effectively passing a guilty verdict, thereby violating the fundamental presumption of innocence.

In response, Aleksanyan countered that his own religious sentiments were deeply offended by the behavior of the accused cleric. According to Azatutyun.am, he stated:

"My religious freedoms are offended when a minister of the Armenian Apostolic Church behaves like a jihadist."

This remark prompted immediate vocal backlash from opposition members in the chamber, further escalating the tension.

Background of the Criminal Case

Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan faces serious charges, including attempted usurpation of power and terrorism. In June of this year, the Court of Appeals altered his preventive measure, placing him under house arrest. Both the cleric and his legal defense team consistently maintain that the charges brought against them are fabricated and entirely baseless.