RA NA passes amendments to law on rallies, marches and demonstrations

PanARMENIAN.Net - On March 17, the Armenian parliament adopted amendments to the law on rallies, marches and demonstrations with 90 votes in favor and 6 against (five members of Heritage opposition faction and independent MP Victor Dallakyan).



In his remarks, NA speaker Tigran Torosian said that the law might be not ideal but it aims to prevent repetition of March 1-2 events. "A human life is dearer than hundreds of rallies," he said, adding that the law will be translated and submitted for consideration of international experts.



For his part, ARF Dashnaktsutyun faction member Vahan Hovhannisian said the law is a situational solution to the problem. "We follow the path of repressive solutions. We do not admit our mistakes but impose limitations. Passing amendments, the authorities antagonize the people instead of preparing them for reforms," he said. "An outside factor should not be forgotten either. Seeds grow on a fertilized soil but it doesn't mean that Soros in the only to blame."



When commenting on the measure, independent MP Victor Dallakyan underscored that those who remain in power today can be in opposition tomorrow. "The limitations are repressive. We should bear in mind that those who backed Levon Ter-Petrosyan voted against the incumbent authorities, as a matter of fact. Ter-Petrosyan appeared as a generator of popular discontent," Dallakyan said.



Heritage faction members called to vote down the draft.



In the first reading the MPs initiated an amendment which bars the organizer of last disorders from holding actions.



The measure was adopted at the second reading, IA Regnum reports.