Turk Ali Merican and his two friends were charged for pubic denial of the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Empire. Turks are sentenced to 150 days’ imprisonment and have to pay a fine of 30,000 Swiss francs.

According to Dogan newspaper, three Turks called the 1915 Genocide “international lie” in their statements. They were charged based on a lawsuit filed by the Chairman of Switzerland-Armenia Association Sargis Shahinian.

Ali Merican and his friends were found guilty in violation of Switzerland’s anti- racism law. The verdict was appealed in the Swiss Supreme Court, but remained in force. Ali Merican and his friends intend to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.

Genocide denial is considered a crime in Switzerland.