The French Government announced it will launch actions to struggle against denial of the Armenian Genocide.

The corresponding circular will be sent to all prosecutors to “organize the punishment of crimes in which members of the Armenian community may become victims because of their origin” and “because of the fact that they survived the genocide,” said Justice Minister Michel Mercier, writes French Le Monde newspaper.

French Senate rejected on Wednesday the bill penalizing denial of the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Empire with 196 votes “against” and 74 “for”. The bill was rejected after a heated debate between supporters and opponents.

“We will remind of all criminal measures that may be applied,” said Mercier, stressing that based on law an action can be taken, since French law punishes any provocation to discrimination, hatred or racially motivated violence.