Parliament of Greece adopted a bill that criminalizes the denial of the
Armenian Genocide and other crimes against humanity on 9 September, Asbarez
said.
Greece becomes the third European country after
Switzerland and Slovakia to adopt such a measure.
The bill known as "Fight against Xenophobia"
envisions bringing criminal charges for denial of the genocides of not only
Jews, but also Armenians and Pontus Greeks. The bill stipulates heavy fines and
imprisonment terms for individuals who publicly deny genocides and other crimes
against humanity that are recognized by the Greek Parliament and international
courts.
The vote passed by 54 to 42 with three abstentions.
Earlier, President of Turkey Recep Erdogan said during
his meeting with Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras on sidelines of the NATO
Summit in Wales such resolution may affect the Greek-Turkish relations. In
response, the Greek prime minister said criminalizing the denial of genocides
does not run contrary to the International Law.