Armenian Parliament approves punishment for violating quarantine

The amendments approved by the Armenian Parliament provide for heavy administrative fines for violating the quarantine regime or the prescription for self-isolation; and in case of mass infection of people, violators face up to five years in prison.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that since March 16, Armenia is under the state of emergency due to the coronavirus infection; the events involving more than 20 people are prohibited.

On March 20, at its extraordinary sitting, the Armenian Parliament unanimously approved in the first reading the amendments to the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Offences (CAO), assuming punishments for violating the quarantine regime and self-isolation requirements.

According to the draft amendments, it is offered to supplement the CAO with the provision about a fine for violating the quarantine regime and self-isolation rules. The minimum fine will make about 600 US dollars, the maximum one – a bit more than 1000 US dollars.

It is also supposed to introduce a fine of USD 100-600 for violating restrictions on the spread and publication of information during the state of emergency, both by individuals and legal entities.

The Criminal Code will be supplemented with an article on violating the quarantine regime or self-isolation rules that entailed a mass infection by negligence. It provides for punishment in the form of arrest for up to three months or deprivation of freedom for up to five years.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on March 21, 2020 at 08:01 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.