We present the joint statement of the journalistic organizations in connection with the cases of obstruction of the professional activity of the media representatives by the law enforcement bodies.
“During the disobedience actions organized by the opposition forces in Yerevan on May 2, the professional activities of a number of media representatives were hindered.
As a result of a clash between police and citizens at the intersection of Sayat-Nova-Abovyan streets, the condition of Yerkir.am news site correspondent Lia Sargsyan, who received first aid, deteriorated.
In Heratsi Street, law enforcement officers hit the shoulder of “AntiFake.am” journalist Davit Fidanyan on the shoulder, obstructed his work, and another journalist of the same website, Ishkhan Khosrovyan, was dragged to the intersection of Khanjyan-Sayat-Nova streets.
We, the undersigned journalistic organizations, once again state that in the conditions of any aggravation of the social-political situation in the country, the attacks and pressures on journalists and cameramen are increasing. This is often the result of insufficient professionalism of law enforcement officers and the inability of people, including members of the media, to communicate politely.
Strongly condemning the attacks on journalists and cameramen performing their professional duties during mass rallies by law enforcement officers, we demand from the government:
- Initiate an official investigation, prosecute Sargis Hovhannisyan, the head of the State Security Service, and his subordinates who have exceeded their authority;
- to give appropriate instructions to “PPP” and “Police” so that their actions do not violate the rights of media representatives, to show respect to them. “
COMMITTEE FOR THE PROTECTION OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH
YEREVAN PRESS CLUB
MEDIA INITIATIVES CENTER
JOURNALISTS “ASPAREZ” CLUB
FREEDOM CENTER FOR INFORMATION
MULTILATERAL INFORMATION INSTITUTE-ARMENIA
PUBLIC JOURNALISM CLUB
“JOURNALISTS FOR THE FUTURE” NGO
“JOURNALISTS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS” NGO
GORIS PRESS CLUB