ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT AMENDS LAW ON RALLIES

ARKA
March 14, 2008

YEREVAN, March 18. /ARKA/. The RA Parliament amended the law on
holding rallies, strikes and demonstrations on March 17.

Amendments to the law were necessary, as it had many drawbacks which
needed to be addressed in order to avoid additional difficulties,
said MP Rafik Petrosian.

He pointed out that the draft is guided by regulations of the European
Convention on Human Rights.

According to the amended law, rallies can be banned if the security
service and police make trustworthy reports that they may threaten
national security, public order or violate citizens’ constitutional
rights. At the same time, reports are considered trustworthy if the
Police and National Security Services make their official statement
on the issue.

After the recent violent clashes in Yerevan, authorized bodies
can temporarily ban rallies till they catch all the organizers of
the crime.

According to the law, rallies and demonstrations can be held only if
authorized bodies give their written permission. They inform organizers
their decision in 72 hours after receiving a written note on their
intention to hold rallies.