Armenia Adopts Law against Domestic Violence at Last

Rupen Janbazian

 

The National Assembly of Armenia today adopted legislation aimed at combating domestic violence by introducing criminal and administrative liability against those found guilty of the newly defined crime.

The law was passed with 73 votes for and 12 against, with 6 abstentions, after debate and some resistance from a few parliamentarians.

Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan’s government pushed the bill through despite opposition from some of his fellow Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) members. The 12 parliamentarians who voted against the bill, however, were all members of the Tsarukian bloc—a self-described opposition party.

Finally a Domestic Violence Law Will Be Introduced in Armenia’s Parliament

Maro Matosian

 

The death of Zaruhi Petrosyan — beaten to death in 2010 by her husband and mother-in-law — has sparked a stronger public discussion about violence against women in Armenia. Before 2010, domestic violence was not discussed publicly, nor even acknowledged as a matter of social concern; rather, it was seen as a private, family matter. Since 2010, through the efforts of women’s rights organizations and civil society, this human rights violation has become visible, to the point where survivors are able to voice their own stories.

After many years of advocacy, a new domestic violence law has been drafted in Armenia by the Ministry of Justice, and is based on the recommendations from different organizations with experience in handling violence against women.

This draft law aims to protect women and children from violence, thereby making Armenian families more peaceful. But it has met with virulent resistance. Why?

Russia's Dirty Play

Maro Matosian

Most of Armenia’s infrastructure, including energy, railways and mining, was sold to Russia to pay off debt. Over a 10-15 year span, Armenia has lost its sovereignty to Russia. However, not only it is subject to economic hegemony, but the liberal democratic fabric of Armenian society is under threat. The principles of human rights and democracy are perceived as a tool for the opposition to rally against the establishment. Rightfully so, civil society in post-communist states like Armenia is fighting for human rights and against autocratic and dictatorial rule.

Though unable to categorically forbid human rights as in Soviet times, Russia has shrewdly found a more subtle and effective method in shaking the liberal democratic order by spreading alternative news, lies and fear. Let’s observe more closely how “information” is disseminated in Armenia to create public confusion and derail public opinion, ultimately impeding legislation that advances human rights.

Armenia: Is Concern About Domestic Violence a Liberal Value?

Gayane Abrahamyan

 

Legislation aimed at preventing domestic violence in Armenia has been scuttled after opponents charged that it is a European attempt to undermine traditional Armenian values.

The draft law, titled “Prevention of and the Struggle against Domestic Violence” was published in November on the website of the Ministry of Justice. The bill would have strengthened laws against domestic violence, and created mechanisms aimed at preventing it, as well as services for its victims. It was introduced as part of a European Union program, under which Armenia would be eligible for 11 million euros in aid, contingent on the country passing a law on domestic violence.

After an immediate outcry, the ministry withdrew the bill the next day, and promised to organize public discussions and elicit citizens’ feedback on the legislation.