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Violence against journalists in Armenia: 2007-2009 worst
12:41 ¢ 02.11.14
The United Nations proclaimed 2 November as the International Day to
End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
Ashot Melikyan, Chairman of Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression
(CPFE), told Tert.am that, during the last decade, the gravest
situation was recorded in 2007-2009.
`I mean the events prior to and after the 2008 presidential election.
This is a rather long period, and the situation improved slightly
later, but it has worsened over the past one or two years,' he said.
In July-September, 2014, the CPFE recorded two cases of violence
against journalists, nine facts of pressure on media outlets and
representatives, one case of violation of the right to receive and
disseminate information. Seven cases of physical violence against
journalists have been recorded this year, according to the Report on
the Freedom of Speech and Violations of Rights of Journalists and
Media in Armenia for July-September, 2014.
Although it was not a politically eventful period, different
government bodies continued their attempts to limit the freedom of
expression, exerting pressure on media outlets and journalists.
`Following the freedom of speech situation and studying journalists'
working conditions, the CPFE continues recording cases of violation.
Last July-September, 18 cases were recorded, with 12 recorded this
July-September. However, the figures arouse concern,' Mr Melikyan
said.
The motto of the day, International Day to End Impunity for Crimes
against Journalists, is most topical for Armenia because no one has
been held responsible for committing violence against journalists from
January to September 2014.
`In some cases, law-enforcement agencies refuse to institute criminal
proceedings, which was the case of A1+ journalist Armine Khachatryan.
Eventually, the Special Investigation Service initiated proceedings
through the mediation of the Prosecutor's Office of Armenia,' Mr
Melikyan said.
In commenting on cases of violence against journalists, OSCE
Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja MijatoviÄ? called
Armenia's authorities to punish the assaulters and put an end to end
impunity.
`More pressure is, as a rule, exerted on mass media during elections,'
Mr Melikyan said.
More than 700 journalists have been killed throughout the world over
the last decade.
http://www.tert.am/en/news/2014/11/02/Armenia-reporters/
From: Baghdasarian
12:41 ¢ 02.11.14
The United Nations proclaimed 2 November as the International Day to
End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
Ashot Melikyan, Chairman of Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression
(CPFE), told Tert.am that, during the last decade, the gravest
situation was recorded in 2007-2009.
`I mean the events prior to and after the 2008 presidential election.
This is a rather long period, and the situation improved slightly
later, but it has worsened over the past one or two years,' he said.
In July-September, 2014, the CPFE recorded two cases of violence
against journalists, nine facts of pressure on media outlets and
representatives, one case of violation of the right to receive and
disseminate information. Seven cases of physical violence against
journalists have been recorded this year, according to the Report on
the Freedom of Speech and Violations of Rights of Journalists and
Media in Armenia for July-September, 2014.
Although it was not a politically eventful period, different
government bodies continued their attempts to limit the freedom of
expression, exerting pressure on media outlets and journalists.
`Following the freedom of speech situation and studying journalists'
working conditions, the CPFE continues recording cases of violation.
Last July-September, 18 cases were recorded, with 12 recorded this
July-September. However, the figures arouse concern,' Mr Melikyan
said.
The motto of the day, International Day to End Impunity for Crimes
against Journalists, is most topical for Armenia because no one has
been held responsible for committing violence against journalists from
January to September 2014.
`In some cases, law-enforcement agencies refuse to institute criminal
proceedings, which was the case of A1+ journalist Armine Khachatryan.
Eventually, the Special Investigation Service initiated proceedings
through the mediation of the Prosecutor's Office of Armenia,' Mr
Melikyan said.
In commenting on cases of violence against journalists, OSCE
Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja MijatoviÄ? called
Armenia's authorities to punish the assaulters and put an end to end
impunity.
`More pressure is, as a rule, exerted on mass media during elections,'
Mr Melikyan said.
More than 700 journalists have been killed throughout the world over
the last decade.
http://www.tert.am/en/news/2014/11/02/Armenia-reporters/
From: Baghdasarian