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Sarkozy`s words contradict independence of Constitutional Court, says Jean Pierre Sueur

Representative of the French Commission on Law Jean Pierre Sueur in an interview to France Press said that "Sarkozy's statement saying that he would immediately submit a new draft of a law punishing denial of the Armenian genocide if there is a rejection by the Constitutional Council contradicts the independence of the France`s Constitutional Court."
Sueur also said that the bill will prejudice the image of France as a democratic state.
Earlier in January, addressing senators, Jean Pierre Sueur recalled that "Article 34 of the French Constitution does not allow making laws with such historical pretext, as this could jeopardize the historical research in the country."
"Parliament is not a tribunal, and legislators should not make history," he said.
"This contradicts many fundamental provisions of our legislation, endangers freedom of expression," he added.
According to Jean Pierre Sueur, ratification of this bill will oblige France to accept other genocides.
The French Senate on January 23 passed a bill criminalizing the denial of the Armenian Genocide, despite threats and bullying from the Turkish state. The bill passed with 127 votes for, 86 against.
Drafted by French General Assembly member Valerie Boyer, the bill renders denial punishable with a year in jail and a fine of 45,000 euros ($58,000).
It is slated to be signed into law by French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Jan. 20 had urged the French Senate not to pass the bill, noting that it would constitute "a black stain on France's intellectual history."

AzerTAc

4 February 2012, Saturday
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