France takes step to criminalize denial of the Armenian genocide
Despite threats by Turkey and vocal opposition at home, French lawmakers approved a bill Thursday making it illegal to publicly deny that the Armenian genocide occurred.
In retaliation, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan recalled his country’s ambassador and said bilateral visits would be suspended and joint military operations with France canceled, Agence France-Presse news service reported.
Earlier Thursday, thousands of people waving Turkish flags protested the impending vote outside the National Assembly in Paris. “My grandpa isn’t an assassin!” and “Leave history to the historians,” read some of their signs.
-- Devorah Lauter, Los Angeles Times
Photo: Protesters chant ‘No compromise with Turkey’ at a gathering near Pelanconi Park in Glendale last year. Thousands showed up to rally against the protocols for the new talks between Armenia and Turkey. Credit: Times Community News