Armenian parliament speaker sues opposition blogger for insult on social media

Armenian National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan has filed a lawsuit against opposition blogger Vazgen Saghatelyan, seeking 2 million drams (over $5,000) in compensation for what he describes as an insult made against him on social media.

According to information published on the Datalex court information website, Simonyan is also demanding a public apology from Saghatelyan for the offensive remarks, Caliber.Az reports. 

In addition to the compensation claim, the speaker is requesting 530,000 drams ($1,400) to cover legal expenses — 480,000 drams ($1,256) for attorney fees and 50,000 drams ($130) in state fees.

The lawsuit follows a law enforcement operation earlier on November 13, when officers detained the Imnemnimi podcast hosts, who are known for critical stance toward the government, Narek Samsonyan and Vazgen Saghatelyan, on charges of hooliganism.  

By Sabina Mammadli