Armenia
Armenia criminalizes terrorism in its Penal Code, defined as criminal acts intended to violate public security, intimidate the population, or exert pressure on decision making by a State official. There is no carve-out in the counterterrorism legislation for the exercise of fundamental human rights.
The Definition of Terrorism in Domestic Law
Terrorism is defined in the Penal Code as
causing of explosions, arson or actions causing significant human losses, or other actions inflicting significant damage to property or actions causing danger to public, or the threat of such actions, if these actions were committed with the purpose of violating public security, intimidating the population or exerting pressure on decision making by a state official, as well as, for the purpose of fulfilling another demand of the perpetrator.Art. 217(1), Penal Code of Armenia.
International terrorism is separately defined as
organization or implementation of an explosion or arson or other acts in the territory of a foreign State, with the purpose of international complications or provocation of war or destabilization of a foreign State, aimed at the destruction of people, or bodily injuries, destruction or spoilage of facilities, roads and means of transportation, communications, or other assets.Art. 389, Penal Code of Armenia.
Adherence to Global and Regional Terrorism Treaties
Armenia is a State Party to all of the main United Nations treaties on terrorism.
| Treaty | Adherence |
|---|---|
| 1973 Convention on Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons | State Party |
| 1979 Hostage-Taking Convention | State Party |
| 1997 Terrorist Bombings Convention | State Party |
| 1999 Terrorist Financing Convention | State Party |
| 2005 Nuclear Terrorism Convention | State Party |
Armenia has adhered to the European terrorism treaties. It ratified the Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism in 2022. As a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Armenia has also ratified the 1999 Treaty on Co-operation among CIS Member States in Combating Terrorism.
| Treaty | Adherence |
|---|---|
| 1978 European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism | State Party |
| 2003 Protocol amending the European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism | State Party |
| 2005 Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism | State Party |
| 2015 Additional Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism | State Party |
Laws and Penalties for Terrorist Offences
Murder as a form of terrorism is punished with between eight and fifteen years in prison or a life term.Art. 104(2)9), Penal Code of Armenia.Wilful infliction of bodily harm as a form of terrorismArt. 112(2)8), Penal Code of Armenia.as well as other acts of terrorism are punishable with between five and ten years' imprisonment.Art. 217(1), Penal Code of Armenia.If a terrorist offence is committed by several persons by prior agreement or using firearms it is punishable with imprisonment for between eight and twelve years.Art. 217(2), Penal Code of Armenia.
Assault on the representative of a foreign state or international organization, or kidnapping, or deprivation of freedom, if committed with the purpose of provoking war or complicating international relations, is punishable with imprisonment for between five and twelve years.Art. 388(1), Penal Code of Armenia.International terrorism, that is to say, the organization or triggering of an explosion or arson or other acts in the territory of a foreign State, for the purpose of provoking war or destabilizing a foreign State, or aimed at killing or injuring people, destroying or damaging infrastructure, roads and means of transportation, communications, or other property, is punishable with imprisonment for between ten and fifteen years, or for life.Art. 389, Penal Code of Armenia.
Counterterrorism Capacities and Policies at Domestic Level
Armenia's 2005 counterterrorism law makes the National Security Service, the Police, and the Army the key bodies responsible for countering terrorism in Armenia.Art. 7, 2005 Law on the Fight against Terrorism in Armenia.
Glossary
Twitter