THE QUALITY OF VIOLENCE IS THE SAME

Lragir.am
19/01/10

The head of the committee on freedom and protection of speech Ashot
Melikyan and an expert of the committee Mesrop Harutyunyan presented
on January 19 the situation in Armenia connected with violence
against press means and reporters. Ashot Melikyan noted the year
may be divided into two parts. During the first half of 2009, cases
of violence against reporters were quite numerous especially at the
Mayoral election on May 31. And the second half was calmer.

Melikyan noted that every year in case of some political events,
such cases become more often. According to Melikyan, comparing the
year 2008 with 2009 from the point of the scale of violence against
reporters, it decreased. Melikyan notes at the same time that the
situation is not good at all.

The expert of the committee Mesrop Harutyunyan presented the registered
cases dividing them into-physical violence, indirect interference,
hidden censorship and limitations of informational freedom. As to
non-physical violence he mentioned the worst example saying that it is
a dangerous precedent- it is the closure of the Chorrord Ishkhanutyun
daily. Ashot Melikyan noted that in 2009 there have been very many
trials against journalists which could be positive considering that
people started settling their affairs with journalists not by force
but in courts. But, as Melikyan notes, since our judicial system
does not let justice to triumph, only those who are wealthier and
more powerful win.

In answer to the question what the level of freedom of speech is in
Armenia, Ashot Melikyan said they did not make a study on this issue,
by in accordance with the assessments of international organizations,
the situation generally corresponds to the reality.