Agenda over ratification of Istanbul Convention artificial: justice minister sees trend in hitting authorities from different sides

Istanbul convention will head to Constitutional Court, justice minister Rustam Badasyan told the reporters today.

“It is already intended. As to Venice Commission and attempts of pressure, it is just an opinion, we do not ask the Venice Commission whether it corresponds to our Constitution, our inquiries sent to Venice Commission relate to other issues,” the minister said.

Asked why the convention was sent to Venice Commission, the minister said that in their opinion the consultative opinion may be very useful.

As to the signature gathering against ratifying the convention, the minister said he would advise citizens to be attentive under what they are signing.

“I have heard that when people ask what it is about they are told that attempt is being made to introduce some phenomena to Armenia’s legal system which is against our national traditions and people sign it,” Badasyan said, urging to get familiarized with the text of the convention on their own.

He said the response from the Venice Commission is expected in October.

As to the comment that a number of lawmakers from My Step faction are against the convention, the minister said that he is ready to listen to the criticism of all and work with all.

Badasyan stressed that he sees certain trend in different comments over the issue.

“How has this artificial agenda been created and why it is artificial? Because I see a trend to hit authorities from different sides and with different comments. The majority of the arguments are artificial,” the minister said.

Badasyan stressed that the convention puts the fight against violence against women on institutional level.

“If a woman is being subjected to violence in a family before applying to any body she must be convinced that this body will treat it with responsibility and she will have psychological assistance. The convention regulates all these issues on an institutional level and intends training of law enforcers under these articles,” the minister said.

Badasyan refuted the claims that the European institutions put pressure on Armenia for ratifying the convention.