PARIS (ArmRadio)—Coordination Council of Armenian Organizations of France (CCAF) Co-Chairman Mourad Papazian has said France may enact a law making denial of the Armenian Genocide a crime if the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rules in favor of Switzerland in the case of Dogu Perincek v. Switzerland.
The issue in the case revolves around whether calling the Armenian Genocide “an international lie,” as Perincek did, can constitute a criminal offense in Switzerland.
Speaking to Turkish newspaper Today’s Zaman, Papazian also said the European Court’s expected decision in favor of Switzerland will pave the way toward punishing the denial of the 1915 genocide.
“We will first wait for the decision of the ECHR. If the court’s decision is positive [in favor of Switzerland], a law will be enacted in France prohibiting the denial of the Armenian Genocide,” Papazian said, adding that he believes the ECHR will decide in favor of Switzerland.
Papazian recalled French President François Hollande’s statement a year ago in Yerevan promising to support a law criminalizing Armenian Genocide denial.
Hollande also called on Turkey to face its past and recognize the Armenian Genocide.
…. Hollande also called on Turkey to face its past and recognize the Armenian Genocide….. To face it’s past Turkey needs a Courages and Wise leader, I don’t think that Erdogan is the man, I hope I’m wrong.