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REPORTERS WITHOUT BORDERS: ARMENIAN NEWSPAPERS ARE TARGET FOR LIBEL ACTIONS
http://armenianow.com/social/human_rights/29410/armenian_mass_media_censorship_law_suits
03.05.11
The Paris-based "Reporters without Borders" media watchdog is
concerned that numerous libel actions being brought against Armenian
newspapers threaten their survival and create a climate that encourages
self-censorship.
In a statement released last Sunday, the reputable organization
writes that the tendency to use lawsuits to throttle news media must
be reined in.
"The repeal of jail sentences for libel and slander in April 2010 was
hailed as a democratic advance but judicial harassment of the media
continues. There were 12 defamation actions during the first quarter
of 2011 alone. Independent newspapers are the leading targets. The
daily Jamanak is currently the subject of three different lawsuits.
Haykakan Jamanak and Hraparak are also being sued In most cases the
plaintiffs are politicians," the organization says.
In most cases, the courts seem to do what the plaintiffs want, imposing
the maximum amount of damages. As well as the large amounts in damages
demanded by plaintiffs, newspapers must also pay excessive lawyers'
fees, it continues.
Reporters Without Borders has urged participants in the forum on media
freedom held by the human rights ombudsman in Yerevan to discuss ways
to limit defamation suits. Media self-regulation should be developed
and, when legal actions are brought, the courts should respect the
principle of proportionality when awarding damages, it underscores.
Read the full statement here:
http://en.rsf.org/armenie-armenian-newspapers-threatened-by-01-05-2011,40201.html
From: A. Papazian
http://armenianow.com/social/human_rights/29410/armenian_mass_media_censorship_law_suits
03.05.11
The Paris-based "Reporters without Borders" media watchdog is
concerned that numerous libel actions being brought against Armenian
newspapers threaten their survival and create a climate that encourages
self-censorship.
In a statement released last Sunday, the reputable organization
writes that the tendency to use lawsuits to throttle news media must
be reined in.
"The repeal of jail sentences for libel and slander in April 2010 was
hailed as a democratic advance but judicial harassment of the media
continues. There were 12 defamation actions during the first quarter
of 2011 alone. Independent newspapers are the leading targets. The
daily Jamanak is currently the subject of three different lawsuits.
Haykakan Jamanak and Hraparak are also being sued In most cases the
plaintiffs are politicians," the organization says.
In most cases, the courts seem to do what the plaintiffs want, imposing
the maximum amount of damages. As well as the large amounts in damages
demanded by plaintiffs, newspapers must also pay excessive lawyers'
fees, it continues.
Reporters Without Borders has urged participants in the forum on media
freedom held by the human rights ombudsman in Yerevan to discuss ways
to limit defamation suits. Media self-regulation should be developed
and, when legal actions are brought, the courts should respect the
principle of proportionality when awarding damages, it underscores.
Read the full statement here:
http://en.rsf.org/armenie-armenian-newspapers-threatened-by-01-05-2011,40201.html
From: A. Papazian