Opposition figure sues Armenian parliament speaker over "spy" remark

Andranik Tevanyan, the leader of Armenia’s opposition “Mother Armenia” party who is currently in custody, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan.

The case, registered on the Datalex.am judicial portal, alleges that Simonyan insulted and defamed Tevanyan during a pre-election televised debate on Public Television, where he reportedly referred to the opposition politician as a “spy," Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media. 

Tevanyan is seeking 9 million drams (approximately $24,000) in damages, along with an additional 310,000 drams (about $1,000) to cover legal costs.

In addition to financial compensation, he is demanding a formal apology and retraction of the statement. He is also calling for the apology to be published on the Public Television website as well as on social media platforms.

The case is scheduled to be heard by Judge Asmik Jalalyan, according to the report.

By Sabina Mammadli