AHEAD OF ERITREA
Aram Abrahamian
Aravot, Armenia
Oct 25 2006
RCF famous international organization, recording regress in the
freedom of press in Armenia has put our country in the 101st place
from 168, 12 points lower than it was last year. Our neighbors, Turkey
and Georgia are more ahead. Certainly our authorities may console
themselves from the fact that Ukraine, Russia and Azerbaijan yield
us in the freedom of the press. Not to mention Belarus, Uzbekistan,
Turkmenistan and Eritrea. RCF mentions that self-censorship exists
in the Armenian private mass media. But it is arguable; when the
president’s residence controls the private TV Companies and forbids
broadcasting any oppositionist without "sanction", it is a complete
censorship.
But in general, the RCF’s remark is objective and very offensive for
our state and people. The Armenians should worry about being before
Eritrea. As the latter doesn’t have a theatre of 2000 years. If
seriously this situation is the exact reflection of our public
apathy. "A1+" was close by the President’s order 4,5 years ago.
People ask me everywhere when "A1+" will be opened and curse the
authorities. But when we say, people if you want "A1+" to be opened
come to the square and demand, 200-300 people will be gathered.
Cowardly and passive public has cowardly and passive Mass Media.
This doesn’t humble the sin of our authorities. The instinct of
self-protection makes them surprise when they aren’t praised. I have
always thought and think that revolution doesn’t threaten Armenia.
Consequently if the authorities are too criticized their posts will
stay unchangeable. How can the head of Nubarashen read articles about
his omission /if he knows reading/. He will punish the reporter for
that article. He will do it, as he knows he won’t be punished for it.
The RCF and other international organizations’ reports are made by
such facts.
Sometimes our authority officials call the politicians and journalists
to "think about the reputation of our country". I want to return that
summon to the authorities, think about the reputation of our country
when you send skinheads to punish the journalists or fill ballots.