If authorities do not deny the Armenian Genocide, why do they oppose its criminalization? Kristine Vardanyan

The Armenia parliamentary faction proposes to criminalize the denial, belittlement and justification of the Armenian Genocide. Today, the opposition faction announced the introduction of the draft from the rostrum of the Parliament, sparking widespread resonance. Moreover, it led to a dispute between members of the ruling Civil Contract Party and the Armenia faction.

Speaking with Alpha News, Armenia faction MP Kristine Vardanyan said that the draft criminalizing the denial of the Armenian Genocide is a response to the state policy pursued in Armenia.

“This draft is a response to those officials who question the Armenian Genocide, downplay it, claim that it is necessary to clarify the number of victims, or question how the term ‘genocide’ appeared in our history. The members from the Civil Contract party are already manipulating, claiming that such a law exists—referring to Article 136 of the Criminal Code. However, this is a lie, because the current law provides for punishment only if the denial of the Genocide is accompanied by propaganda of hatred or racial discrimination. This law does not apply to statements made by Pashinyan or other officials without propaganda of hatred or denigration of the Genocide,” Kristine Vardanyan said.

According to the lawmaker, the bill proposes a prison sentence of 4 to 6 years for denying the Armenian Genocide. However, stricter penalties would apply to officials, depending on who denies the Genocide and how.

“We have a problem with individuals who hold positions at the expense of Armenian citizens’ taxes and have started to deny and belittle the Armenian Genocide, much like representatives of the Turkish state,” Kristine Vardanyan said.

It appears the ruling party is not in favor of the new bill proposed by the opposition. National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan told reporters that the article criminalizing Genocide denial already exists in the Criminal Code. In this regard, opposition faction MP Kristine Vardanyan said, “If someone has no problem with denial and does not pursue such a policy, why do they oppose the draft criminalizing denial of the Armenian Genocide? If I were in power and had no problems with denial, I would be more than happy to pass this law, as it never concerned me and my team. It would also be a deterrent for all future authorities.”

As reported, Artsvik Minasyan of the Armenia faction said today that they have submitted a draft law criminalizing the denial of the Armenian Genocide. The opposition MP also emphasized that this draft implies the choice between national memory, dignity, and identity on one side, and the enemies of the Armenian people and nation on the other. Minasyan stated that in the near future the political majority would have the opportunity to choose and expressed hope that the overwhelming majority would support national dignity. Following this statement, a verbal altercation erupted between the Speaker of the National Assembly and Artsvik Minasyan. During the speech of Hayk Konjoryan, the Head of the Civil Contract faction, tensions escalated further, leading to a dispute and eventual scuffle between members of the Civil Contract and Armenia factions. According to Kristine Vardanyan, this was yet another provocation by the authorities.