SHUSHAN DOYDOYAN: "IN NEITHER OF COUNTRIES THERE EXISTS EXCELLENT FREEDOM OF PRESS"

ARMENPRESS
MAY 3, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, MAY 3, ARMENPRESS: Issues on freedom of press have been
discussed today in "Henaran" club. "In neither of countries there
exists excellent freedom of press," head of the Information Freedom
Center Shushan Doydoyan said, adding that if there are rights they must
by all means be in parallel with responsibility. "This issue must both
be examined taking into consideration the right of a journalist to
get information and from the point of view of preserving the dignity
of the informer". She said that UNESCO devoted this year to the
issues of reporters to get information: "As far as reporter cannot
get information and fix it he/she cannot work," she noted. Shushan
Doydoyan also pointed out that reporters must know and protect their
rights. According to her, the reporters must not be accommodated when
their work is being impeded but sue the official and get complete
answer. "The issue is not only getting answer to the question but the
official who will again refuse to give information next time will think
whether he is ready to again get in fuss and victimize his/her image."

Chief editor of Aravot daily Aram Abrahamyan spoke about the applying
of use of force for impeding journalists’ work. "The problem is not
only that those who complain about the publications are trying to
satisfy their revenge by using force but when different means are
being applied to prevent the publication. Such cases take place
particularly in drastic situations, for instance during elections."

According to him, local authorities, members of bodyguard service of
the officials impede the work of cameramen and photo reporters. He
also highlighted the solution of the issue in forensic way.

Chairman of the Yerevan Press Club Boris Navasardyan said that the
"Time of Free Press" award which has been established five years ago
for already second year will not be given to anyone. "The problem is
not the lack of worthy reporters but the latter to not have opportunity
to display themselves.

Boris Navasardyan said that it is impossible to oversight the internet
in respect of freedom of press and according to him, it is not a
professional environment. Thanks to this available cover the issue
of awareness of the public is being solved but the specialization
of reporter is losing its value. "The issue is not in keeping the
population informed, it is aimed to make an active public," he said.

According to him, the freedom of speech may undergo great changes in
parallel to the development of internet.