`Freedom of Speech Day’ Informally Marked in Gyumri
2010/03/25 | 16:20

media
Yeranuhi Soghoyan

To mark the anniversary of an emergency fund-raising drive in launched
on March 19, 2008, in defence of the `Gala’ TV station and freedom of
speech, the station organized a celebration today at the Gyumri
`Asbarez’ Club today. The fundraiser collected a total of 26 million
AMD in a matter of days to cover fines imposed by the RoA tax
authorities.
Levon Barseghyan thanked the assembled group of journalists and
invited guests, remarking that, `Two years ago, we correctly regarded
the fund drive as a victory and decided to celebrate the occasion on a
yearly basis. I congratulate all those who are free. I am hopeful that
despite the fact that we are informally celebrating the freedom of
speech holiday today, the day will arrive during the next few years
when it will become an official holiday.’

Awards were presented to outstanding journalists in the field. Those
noted for their special contributions included Tatul Hakbyan for his
`Green and Black’ book on the Karabakh conflict, Hetq Online’s Tavush
correspondent Voskan Sargsyan for his coverage of regional issues,
photo-journalist Gagik Shamshyan and Gala reporter Armenuhi Vardanyan
for political affairs coverage.