FIDH CALLS UPON ARMENIAN AUTHORITIES TO PROVIDE CONDITIONS TO GUARANTEE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN ARMENIA
Noyan Tapan
Apr 6, 2010
YEREVAN, APRIL 6, NOYAN TAPAN. The International Federation of
Human Rights (FIDH), Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression,
Yerevan Press Club, Internews Media Support NGO, Media Diversity
Institute-Armenia, Armenian Helsinki Committee, Foundation against
violation of law, Civil Society Institute express their concern about
the restrictions to the freedom of speech and media in the Republic
of Armenia.
According to a report of the mentioned organizations, the situation
has been deteriorating in this realm since 2 April, 2002, when "A1+",
an independent private television Company, was deprived of the right
to broadcast.
This had an immediate impact on the level of pluralism in Armenia
and almost all of the broadcasting companies started to work more
cautiously. Hidden censorship is applied by using an economic and
tax leverage as well instruments of political involvement. Since
April, 2002, "A1+" television Company has participated in more than
10 tenders on broadcast licensing, and it has been refused a license
on every occasion by the National television and Radio Committee.
Armenian media and human rights organizations believe that "A1+"
is being targeted for political reasons.
The authors of the statement call upon Armenian authorities to provide
conditions that will guarantee the freedom of expression in Armenia.
Particularly, to provide impartiality and transparency of future
tenders on broadcast licensing and hereby to ensure well-founded and
justified decisions which will restore public trust.