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BRITISH QUEEN'S COUNSEL TO ASSESS FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN ARMENIA
epress.am
04.02.2012
The state has to assume responsibility for freedom of expression, said
Queen's Counsel, barrister Gavin Miller in Yerevan in his speech on
the topic of "Free Elections and Free Speech as Essential Conditions
for a Democratic Society" at a seminar and training titled "Reliable,
Responsible and Balanced Coverage of the 2012 Parliamentary Elections"
organized by the Europe in Law Association, the OSCE Yerevan office
and the US Embassy in Armenia, taking place in Congress Hotel from
Apr. 2-3.
Miller said that he often represents the interests of media agencies
and professionals in the UK on different matters in court, and as the
basis of his work, he cited Article 10 of the European Convention on
Human Rights which provides the right to freedom of expression.
Freedom of expression is often restricted during the election period,
he said, and sometimes issues arise in court to defend both the the
right to vote and freedom of expression.
Speaking about the situation in Great Britain, the barrister with
Doughty Street Chambers talked about state intervention. According to
him, during elections, political advertising is prohibited in Britain
and the news media is monitored, as they have to cover all candidates
on equal terms.
When a political issue is discussed on television, editors have
to ensure the participation of all parties. During this period,
programs on political parties, which last 5-10 minutes, are broadcast
on television. Parties are allotted time in these programs based on
how many votes they received during elections. Those parties that
didn't run in the elections have a hard time getting air time.
According to Miller, during the two-day seminar in Yerevan they will
have the opportunity to better understand how freedom of expression
and the right to vote are restricted in Armenia, and make corresponding
assessments.
From: Baghdasarian
epress.am
04.02.2012
The state has to assume responsibility for freedom of expression, said
Queen's Counsel, barrister Gavin Miller in Yerevan in his speech on
the topic of "Free Elections and Free Speech as Essential Conditions
for a Democratic Society" at a seminar and training titled "Reliable,
Responsible and Balanced Coverage of the 2012 Parliamentary Elections"
organized by the Europe in Law Association, the OSCE Yerevan office
and the US Embassy in Armenia, taking place in Congress Hotel from
Apr. 2-3.
Miller said that he often represents the interests of media agencies
and professionals in the UK on different matters in court, and as the
basis of his work, he cited Article 10 of the European Convention on
Human Rights which provides the right to freedom of expression.
Freedom of expression is often restricted during the election period,
he said, and sometimes issues arise in court to defend both the the
right to vote and freedom of expression.
Speaking about the situation in Great Britain, the barrister with
Doughty Street Chambers talked about state intervention. According to
him, during elections, political advertising is prohibited in Britain
and the news media is monitored, as they have to cover all candidates
on equal terms.
When a political issue is discussed on television, editors have
to ensure the participation of all parties. During this period,
programs on political parties, which last 5-10 minutes, are broadcast
on television. Parties are allotted time in these programs based on
how many votes they received during elections. Those parties that
didn't run in the elections have a hard time getting air time.
According to Miller, during the two-day seminar in Yerevan they will
have the opportunity to better understand how freedom of expression
and the right to vote are restricted in Armenia, and make corresponding
assessments.
From: Baghdasarian