Adoption of bill criminalizing the Armenian Genocide denial is aimed against freedom of expression and thought, attempting to distort Turkish history, according to Turkish Vice-Prime Minister.

“This step by the French Parliament will not remain without a response,” Turkish media quoted Bülent Arınç as saying.

On December 22, French National Assembly passed the bill criminalizing the Armenian Genocide denial. The draft law envisages a year in jail and a fine of 45,000 euros for those who publicly deny the Armenian Genocide in France.