April 24, 2005 - 09:31 AMT
BELGIUM: CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ARMENIAN GENOCIDE DENIAL
By a majority vote the Belgian Parliament adopted a bill, according to which those who deny the Armenian Genocide can be imprisoned or made to pay a heavy administrative fine. As reported by Turkish media, when the law comes into effect, Turkish politicians will experience many problems regarding expressing their position in Belgium. The bill has already been viewed by the Commission for Legal Issues, is approved by the Parliament and is submitted to the Senate. Upon being approved by the Senate, the document will be submitted to the Belgian King for ratification. At that there is a certain trend available - as a rule the Senate confirms the documents approved by the Parliament. The document provides for imprisonment from 8 days to a year or a money fine from 26 to 5000 euros. All those, who diminishes the Genocide, defends or supports people, who have perpetrated it or any other crime against humanity, will undergo punishment. Besides, the justice mechanisms allow Belgium brining a charge against any of the EU countries denying the Armenian Genocide.