A1+
`I have never been treated in such a way’
[07:06 pm] 13 March, 2009
`No one has ever treated me so brutally. Even the skinheads of our
oligarchs have been kinder to me,’ photojournalist Gagik Shamshyan
told A1+ in the resuscitation department of the Nairi Medical Centre.
Gagik Shamshyan was beaten up in Yerevan State Linguistic University
earlier today.
During his activity, Gagik Shamshyan has been subjected to numerous
harassments and violence but it is the first time the photojournalist
of `Aravot’ and `Chorrord Ishkhanutyun’ newspapers has been severely
beaten up.
Gagik Shamshyan tells that after today’s protest action organised by
the University students he went to the University with some other
reporters seeking the opinion of the University administration. At the
entrance they came into collision with the security officers who
banned the reporters’ access to the building. The quarrel later came
to blows.
The photojournalist says he has substantial evidence which will help
identify the assailants. `They were the security men and one of the
pro-rectors who didn’t like the way I was carrying out my professional
duties – photographing the interior from a suitable position. The
moment they attacked me I managed to take a few photos. I have been
told that some TV Companies working in the building also shot the
incident.’
Gagik Shamshyan got hits below the belt. Assistant director of the
medical centre, Siranush Martirosyan says Shamshyan has been
thoroughly examined. He is diagnosed with a fractional damage of
urethra. `The patient’s state is stabilising gradually,’ she adds.
Gagik Shamshyan confirmed the assistant director’s words and said he
is getting better. He has already been visited by police
representatives. The press service of the Armenian Police informed us
that an inquiry into the incident is already in progress.
President of Armenia’s Freedom of Speech Protection Committee, Ashot
Melikyan, went to the University today to inquire about the
incident. He says the safety officers immediately hid their
certifications and refrained from making comments.
A1+ was unable to get any information from the University. At first we
were told that Rector Suren Zolyan was out. Then the guard answering
the telephone call said that the working day was over and Suren Zolyan
was no longer in the building.