Outrage over Turkey proposal protecting child marriageNovember 18, 2016 - 16:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A Turkish government proposal which would pardon some people imprisoned for statutory rape in the past decade has fallen short of passage by legislators. The proposal would defer sentencing or punishment for sexual assault in cases where there was no force and where the victim and perpetrator were married. Following the defeat late Thursday, November 17 the government is bringing the proposal back for consideration next week, The Associated Press reports. An earlier law, abolished in 2005, said there is no crime if the couple marry. The proposed change in the law would apply to cases between 2005 and November 16 or this year. Turkey's ruling party, rooted in Turkey's Islamic movement, says the proposal is meant to protect those who were too young to marry legally. Another vote is scheduled next week. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |