Cyprus Criminalizes Denial of Armenian Genocide

Parliament of Cyprus.

Cyprus’ parliament criminalized denial of the Armenian Genocide on April 1, according to the CyrpusMail. The resolution penalizes denial of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The existing legislation required prior conviction by an international court to make denial a crime.

The speaker of parliament Yiannakis Omirou said, “Today is a historic day. It  allows parliament to restore, with unanimous decisions and resolutions, historical truths.” Cyprus recognized the Armenian Genocide in 1975.

It is expected that President Nicos Anastasiades of Cyprus will attend the Armenian Genocide centenary commemorations in Yerevan on April 24. President Francois Hollande of France and President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation have also confirmed that they will be in Armenia for the commemoration.

The Armenian community numbering approximately 3500, are a recognized minority in Cyprus. Most of the Armenians live in the capital Nicosia, but there are communities in Larnaca and Limassol as well. According to the 1960 Constitution of Cyprus, Armenians are recognized as a religious group and have an elected representative in the House of Representatives.