Yerevan /Mediamax/. Switzerland-Armenia Association has expressed regret over the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) judgment on Perincek v Switzerland case.

Under the ECHR judgment, the Turkish politician’s persecution is a violation of Article 10 (freedom of expression) of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The press release disseminated by the Association reads that the judgment undermines the solemn recognitions that occurred during the commemoration of the centenary of the Armenian Genocide that took place this year, including that of Pope Francis, ruled last April 12th at the Vatican.

“The SAA affirms that while freedom of expression is essential and fundamental in a democratic society, it is not absolute. Freedom of expression cannot be misused for rewriting history, particularly so for seeking to deny or justify genocide, which is the most absolute and heinous of crimes”, the press release notes.

The Association stressed that the judgment of the Court applies only in respect of the proceedings leading to the conviction in Switzerland of Mr. Perincek and it does not call into question the legality and existence of the anti-racism norm, as it is in force in Switzerland.

It should be recalled that Switzerland-Armenia Association filed a complaint against Dogu Perincek in July 2005 as the latter called the Armenian Genocide “an international lie”. Based on the complaint, Lausanne Police Court found Dogu Perincek guilty of racial discrimination under the relevant article.