Armenia’s Hayastan parliamentary faction has submitted a bill for discussion that would make the denial, approval or justification of the 1915 Armenian a punishable offence.

Those found guilty would face hefty fines or three- to five years in jail.

While Article 397.1 of Armenia’s Criminal Code makes it a punishable crime to deny, justify or endorse genocide or to incite hatred and discrimination based on race, skin color, nationality or religion, the Hayastan faction argues that a separate approach to the 1915 Armenian Genocide is needed today given the challenges the Armenian nation faces.

"The context of the possible development of Armenian-Turkish diplomatic relations once again underscores the importance of criminalizing the denial of the Armenian Genocide. At the same time, the increase in the settlement is in line with the national interest and security structures, "the statement said.