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OSCE MEDIA FREEDOM REPRESENTATIVE CONCERNED OF POLICE USE OF VIOLENCE AGAINST JOURNALISTS
http://www.epress.am/en/2014/02/17/osce-media-freedom-representative-concerned-of-police-use-of-violence-against-journalists.html
02.17.2014 22:23 epress.am
Dunja Mijatovic, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
expressed concern about police obstruction of journalists' activities
while covering a public demonstration in Yerevan on Feb. 12, reports
EaP Media Freedom Watch.
"Violence against journalists is unacceptable. It is especially
alarming that police officers responsible to assist and protect
journalists used force against them," MijatoviÄ~G wrote in a letter
to Armenian authorities.
Dunja Mijatovic urged the authorities to conduct a thorough and
transparent investigation of the incident, and do everything possible
to prevent inappropriate conduct of police towards representatives
of the media in the future.
The incident took place when activists from the opposition party
Armenian National Congress were handing out leaflets in the Yerevan
downtown, announcing the upcoming rally on March 1. A group of young
men tried to stop activists, which turned into a clash, followed
by detention of the activists. Police also detained the journalists
filming what was happening. The police officers abused them and took
away video equipment.
Journalistic and human rights organizations released a statement
on the incident as well. Karen Andreasyan, Ombudsman of Armenia,
condemned police obstruction of journalists' work as well. He posted
on his Facebook page that "the use of force against journalists leads
to criminal liability, especially if those crimes were committed by
public officials." According to Andreasyan, the only way to prevent
such crimes is getting a clear and bold response of law enforcement
agencies. The Ombudsman stated that he expected "a proper and
comprehensive investigation to be conducted, as well as informing
the public about the results in thenearest future."
According to the official information, the chief of Armenian police
ordered to launch an official investigation in connection with
the statement of Ani Gevorgyan on application of illegal actions
towards her.
From: Baghdasarian
http://www.epress.am/en/2014/02/17/osce-media-freedom-representative-concerned-of-police-use-of-violence-against-journalists.html
02.17.2014 22:23 epress.am
Dunja Mijatovic, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
expressed concern about police obstruction of journalists' activities
while covering a public demonstration in Yerevan on Feb. 12, reports
EaP Media Freedom Watch.
"Violence against journalists is unacceptable. It is especially
alarming that police officers responsible to assist and protect
journalists used force against them," MijatoviÄ~G wrote in a letter
to Armenian authorities.
Dunja Mijatovic urged the authorities to conduct a thorough and
transparent investigation of the incident, and do everything possible
to prevent inappropriate conduct of police towards representatives
of the media in the future.
The incident took place when activists from the opposition party
Armenian National Congress were handing out leaflets in the Yerevan
downtown, announcing the upcoming rally on March 1. A group of young
men tried to stop activists, which turned into a clash, followed
by detention of the activists. Police also detained the journalists
filming what was happening. The police officers abused them and took
away video equipment.
Journalistic and human rights organizations released a statement
on the incident as well. Karen Andreasyan, Ombudsman of Armenia,
condemned police obstruction of journalists' work as well. He posted
on his Facebook page that "the use of force against journalists leads
to criminal liability, especially if those crimes were committed by
public officials." According to Andreasyan, the only way to prevent
such crimes is getting a clear and bold response of law enforcement
agencies. The Ombudsman stated that he expected "a proper and
comprehensive investigation to be conducted, as well as informing
the public about the results in thenearest future."
According to the official information, the chief of Armenian police
ordered to launch an official investigation in connection with
the statement of Ani Gevorgyan on application of illegal actions
towards her.
From: Baghdasarian