YEREVAN. – Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan assessed positively the Swiss government’s decision to petition that the Dogu Perincek case be referred for a review by the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).
“It [i.e., the decision] is inspiring. And we all must express our positive attitude toward the Swiss government’s decision. Everyone knows that Switzerland has been an active defender of human rights. This decision was an expected decision.
“The role of the Swiss authorities in the making of this decision certainly is enormous. But we need to appreciate the contribution by international organizations, various people, or their stance toward the European Court’s decision,” Sargsyan specifically said during a consultation at the Ministry of Health.
As per the President, however, the Swiss government’s aforesaid decision is solely the beginning of a huge process, since the ECtHR still will decide on whether or not considering the review of the case.
“But we are confident that the European Court of Human Rights will make a decision that will not be insulting for genocide-surviving nations. I am confident that the Swiss government will pursue its decision.
“On the other hand, the matter is connected with the fact that the European Court, by making such a decision, finds somewhat of a flaw in the Swiss justice [system]. But the Swiss themselves likewise must prove the integrity of their judicial system, their entire state system, overall,” the Armenian President also noted, in particular.
The Government of Switzerland recently decided to petition that the Dogu Perincek case be referred for a review by the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). On December 17, 2013, the ECtHR ruled in favor of Armenian Genocide-denying Turkish politician Dogu Perincek’s lawsuit that was filed against Switzerland. The said judgment by the ECtHR was made on the grounds of freedom of speech. In 2008, a Swiss court had convicted Perincek for denying the Armenian Genocide. Dogu Perincek is Chairman of the socialist Workers’ Party of Turkey. In addition, he heads the Talat Pasha organization, which actively fights against the Armenian Genocide’s recognition in Europe.
