PARLIAMENT OF ARMENIA PASSES AMENDMENTS TO THE LAW ‘ON THE PROCEDURE OF ASSEMBLIES, AND DEMONSTRATIONS’ IN FIRST READING

arminfo
2008-05-20 13:06:00

ArmInfo. Parliament of Armenia passed the amendments to the Law ‘On
the order of assemblies and demonstrations’ in the first reading by
92 votes ‘for’, 6 votes ‘against’ and one ‘abstention’ Tuesday.

In his speech, the author of the bill, Speaker of the Armenian
Parliament Tigran Torosyan said the bill was drafted on the basis
of notifications and recommendation of CE Venice Commission. In
particular, it provides for the procedure of presenting reliable data
on prepared events. The organizers of assemblies, demonstrations
and processions are to inform local authorities at least 5 days
beforehand. Basing on the recommendations of the responsible agencies
regarding the danger of the planned events, the authorities have a
right to reject the application. In their turn, the organizers have
a right to appeal against the rejection. The court is to study the
appeal within 24 hours.

The bill contains a new provision on the voluntary conduct of
mass rallies, demonstrations and processions. The speaker said the
public has a right to express opinion on vital issues. Nevertheless,
voluntary assemblies with participation of over 100 people must not
be termless. For this purpose, the term of such actions is limited –
6 hours. The speaker said the bill meets international standards and
aims to boost democracy in Armenia.