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Violence against journalists in Armenia: 2007-2009 worst

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  • Violence against journalists in Armenia: 2007-2009 worst

    Violence against journalists in Armenia: 2007-2009 worst

    12:41 ¢ 02.11.14


    The United Nations proclaimed 2 November as the International Day to
    End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.

    Ashot Melikyan, Chairman of Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression
    (CPFE), told Tert.am that, during the last decade, the gravest
    situation was recorded in 2007-2009.

    `I mean the events prior to and after the 2008 presidential election.
    This is a rather long period, and the situation improved slightly
    later, but it has worsened over the past one or two years,' he said.

    In July-September, 2014, the CPFE recorded two cases of violence
    against journalists, nine facts of pressure on media outlets and
    representatives, one case of violation of the right to receive and
    disseminate information. Seven cases of physical violence against
    journalists have been recorded this year, according to the Report on
    the Freedom of Speech and Violations of Rights of Journalists and
    Media in Armenia for July-September, 2014.

    Although it was not a politically eventful period, different
    government bodies continued their attempts to limit the freedom of
    expression, exerting pressure on media outlets and journalists.

    `Following the freedom of speech situation and studying journalists'
    working conditions, the CPFE continues recording cases of violation.
    Last July-September, 18 cases were recorded, with 12 recorded this
    July-September. However, the figures arouse concern,' Mr Melikyan
    said.

    The motto of the day, International Day to End Impunity for Crimes
    against Journalists, is most topical for Armenia because no one has
    been held responsible for committing violence against journalists from
    January to September 2014.

    `In some cases, law-enforcement agencies refuse to institute criminal
    proceedings, which was the case of A1+ journalist Armine Khachatryan.
    Eventually, the Special Investigation Service initiated proceedings
    through the mediation of the Prosecutor's Office of Armenia,' Mr
    Melikyan said.

    In commenting on cases of violence against journalists, OSCE
    Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja MijatoviÄ? called
    Armenia's authorities to punish the assaulters and put an end to end
    impunity.

    `More pressure is, as a rule, exerted on mass media during elections,'
    Mr Melikyan said.

    More than 700 journalists have been killed throughout the world over
    the last decade.


    http://www.tert.am/en/news/2014/11/02/Armenia-reporters/


    From: Baghdasarian
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