ECHR launches investigation into genocide-rejecting Turkish politician's claim against Switzerland
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has launched the investigation into a claim Turkish “Workers’ Party” leader Dogu Perincek brought against Switzerland two years ago, Turkish NTV reported.
A Swiss district court found Dogu Perincek guilty because he had rejected the Armenian Genocide during a public speech in Switzerland in 2005, calling it an international lie.
The court in Lausanne agreed with the prosecutor's demand and handed Perincek a one-off financial penalty of SFr3,000 ($2,400). The court also ruled that Perincek would have to pay SFr1,000 to the Swiss-Armenian Association as a symbolic gesture.
The European Court is expected to make a verdict at the first part of 2011.