Tensions over Genocide bill don’t die down

January 27, 2012 - 11:54 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The French parliament is not authorized to proclaim itself a universal judge and affirm facts of historical crimes, French ex-Minister of Justice Robert Badinter said, dwelling on French Senate’s adoption of the bill penalizing the Armenian Genocide denial.

“The Turks are a great people who play a great role, particularly in the Middle East. They are proud of their history, even though it bears the stains of crimes and exactions of all kinds, just like that of all conquering peoples,” reads Badinter’s article published by The Huffington Post.

On January 23 the French Senate passed the bill with 127 votes for and 86 against.

On December 22, 2011, it was adopted by the French National Assembly. The bill will impose a 45,000 euro fine and a year in prison for anyone in France who denies this crime against humanity committed by the Ottoman Empire.

The bill is believed to take effect in France within two weeks, after it will be signed by President.