Armenian opposition MP calls for tougher fines for monument vandalism
MP Lilit Galstyan of the opposition Hayastan bloc has introduced a bill calling for tougher penalties against vandals who damage public monuments.
The new measure proposes to double the fines for offenders, setting 100,000 drams instead of the current 50,000 drams.
"Amid the lack of oversight mechanisms for monuments, as well as the poor application of the available mechanisms, the rules for the preservation of historical and natural monuments are violated. We believe that these amendments will help reduce the violations," Galstyan told a parliament session on Tuesday.
Sisak Gabrielyan, an MP representing the ruling Civil Contract party, argued that vandals had to face fines higher than 100,000 drams.
“I don’t oppose tougher penalties, the matter is open to debate,” Galstyan replied.
The bill is subject to approval by the parliament.