Parliament majority blocks bill criminalizing Armenian Genocide denial

Panorama

The pro-government majority in the Armenian parliament on Thursday rejected an opposition-drafted bill that sought to criminalize the denial or justification of the Armenian Genocide and other internationally recognized genocides.

The measure, proposed by the Hayastan faction, would have introduced fines, community service or prison terms of up to 15 years for public denial or justification of genocide, especially when linked to incitement of hatred or violence.

The ruling Civil Contract faction, led by Hayk Konjoryan, voted against the proposal. The bill failed with 26 votes in favor, 58 against and 2 abstentions.

Supporters argued the legislation was urgent amid ongoing attempts to downplay the Armenian Genocide, stressing its alignment with European legal standards