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Opposition MP's Argue New Bill Seeks to Quash Public Protest Even Further
Grisha Balasanyan
hetq
16:40, February 29, 2012
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.
Grisha Balasanyan
hetq
16:40, February 29, 2012
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.