World

Another Duma Scuffle

June 4, 1999 / 11:33 AM EDT / AP

Vladimir Zhirinovsky, the bombastic lawmaker known for his outbursts in parliament, flew into a rage and spat on another deputy during a debate about President Boris Yeltsin's health Friday.

The fireworks started after Communist lawmaker Vladimir Semago asked Yeltsin's representative in the lower house, the State Duma, to comment on a rumor that the president was ill again.

After Yeltsin's representative said the president's health was fine, Zhirinovsky blew up at Semago for saying Zhirinovsky's Liberal Democratic Party had started the rumor.

Â"We didn't tell you anything of the kind,Â" he shouted at Semago, who looked bemused. Â"Such scoundrels and scum as you are a shame to the whole Duma.Â"

Â"One more such provocation and we'll throw you out onto the street like a mangy dog. One more time and I'll beat your face on the bench,Â" Zhirinovsky shouted.

A red-faced Zhirinovsky then stood up to approach Semago but was held back by another lawmaker. Zhirinovsky spat on Semago, who remained calm, showing little reaction.

After the outburst, the lower house passed a motion barring Zhirinovsky from speaking for the rest of the day.

Russia's parliament has seen numerous scuffles in the last several years, many involving Zhirinovsky. Once, he doused several lawmakers with water. Another time he pulled the hair of a female deputy and traded punches with her during a session.