DISINFO: The Istanbul Convention is a threat to the Armenian army
SUMMARY
One of the most important institutions to preserve the Armenian people is our traditional Christian family. The ratification of the Istanbul Convention with many contradictory and dangerous provisions is a danger. It will disrupt the family-Christian values of the Armenian people. As a result, it is a threat to the Armenian Army’s combat readiness and national spirit. The convention is contradicting the current Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, to the centuries-old Christian and moral values of the Armenian people.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative on the Istanbul Convention. This message is consistent with recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about the morally corrupt West and threatened traditional values. The Istanbul Convention (the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence) is a treaty of the Council of Europe that opens the path for creating a legal framework at pan-European level to protect women against all forms of violence, and prevent, prosecute and eliminate violence against women and domestic violence. The Armenian Ministry of Justice clarifies that the Convention does not threaten Armenia's traditional values. The Convention states that traditions, cultures and religion cannot justify violence against women. In addition, the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe issued an opinion that "there are no provisions in that Convention that could be said to “contradict” the Constitution of Armenia". Other disinformation cases about the Istanbul Convention are available here. See also similar cases claiming that the Istanbul Convention will destroy traditional families and that it is attacking identity and traditions.