“No one in Armenia has denied and does not deny the Armenian Genocide, and I am sure they will not deny it. The Armenian Genocide is part of the collective memory of each of us,” said Vladimir Vardanyan, Chairman of the Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs of the National Assembly, during the committee’s session.
According to him, discussions that attempt to redefine or tighten laws often open up an emotional field, providing opportunities for manipulation. “The responsibility for denying the Genocide is much stricter than for committing the Genocide. I don’t want to formulate it, it is an insult, but in a certain sense it should be unacceptable for the descendants of the survivors of the Genocide victims.” He said and emphasized that it is impossible to provide for a greater punishment for denial than for committing the act of Genocide.
Vardanyan noted that under the current legislation, denial of the Genocide is already criminalized. The relevant provisions were included in the 2001 Code and were preserved when the new Criminal Code was adopted. He emphasized that international partners are also aware of this.
According to him, the proposed new draft may create problems, including on the international stage.
Vardanyan also recalled the precedent of the Perincek case in the European Court, noting that incorrect approaches may cause new legal complications. He added that discussions should be conducted on a legal level, refraining from excessive emotional manifestations.
“The emotional field is hazardous in such issues. We must get out of clichés and be careful not to find ourselves in the field of manipulation.”
It should be noted that the NA “Armenia” faction has submitted a draft amendment to the Criminal Code, which proposes to establish criminal liability for the denial of the Genocide.
