OSCE representative expresses concerns over French bill

Dunja Mijatovic, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Representative on Freedom of Media, expressed concerns over the approval of a bill that aims to criminalize public statements denying Armenian allegations regarding the events of 1915. Reportedly, these concerns are basically caused by "criminalizing historical statements" and interfering in freedom of expression. "I believe that the final adoption of these legal amendments would raise serious concerns with regard to international standards of freedom of expression," said Mijatovic. Mijatović is also concerned that the passing of this law by France might prompt other countries in the OSCE region to follow its example. "A proliferation of national prohibitions on particular statements related to the culture and history of different nations and regions would render international free-speech standards inapplicable," said Mijatovic.