The RA government has submitted another questionable piece of legislation to the parliament.

The bill is entitled, “Changes and Amendments to the RA Code Regarding Administrative Legal Violations”. Opposition MP’s have already voiced their criticism.

According to the bill, those found in violation of the use of public spaces – streets, sidewalks, bus stops, playgrounds, airports, etc – will be subject to fines ranging from 20,000 to 60,000 AMD.

Many see the bill as yet another scheme to restrict public rallies and protests in the lead up to parliamentary elections in May.

Some MP’s also argue that the bill is directed against small-scale street vendors.

Another clause in the bill that has incurred the wrath of opposition legislators would allow for 20,000 to 50,000 AMD fines to be levied against those who “publicly insult representatives of the government in the course of their duties”.

Bill detractors say that the government wants to kill two birds with one stone, by first outlawing public protest and then fining those who have the nerve to quarrel with government representatives.