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YEREVAN PRESS CLUB WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
JUNE 10-16, 2011
HIGHLIGHTS:
"E-CLUB" CYCLE: INTERNET AND MISINFORMATION
"YERKRAGUND" ON THE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS RESULTS IN TURKEY
STATEMENT OF NGO-MEMBERS OF WORKING GROUP ON REFORMING THE BROADCAST
LEGISLATION
A YEAR LATER... AFTER ALL GOVERNOR OF SHIRAK DID NOT PROVIDE INFORMATION
"IRAVUNK" SUES REPORT.AM
"A1+" VERSUS NCTR: FOUNDER OF "ARMNEWS" DID NOT APPEAR BEFORE THE COURT
"E-CLUB" CYCLE: INTERNET AND MISINFORMATION
On June 14 another program from "E-Club" weekly cycle went on the online
broadcast of "A1+" TV company (www.a1plus.am). The "E-Club" is produced by
Yerevan Press Club in cooperation with "A1+" TV company under "Alternative
Resources in Media" project, supported by USAID.
The information and education blocs, particularly, told about the capacities
of softwares for Armenian language, presented the site of enquiry service
"Spyur", www.spyur.am, and talked about online castings. The guests of the
discussion part of "E-Club" - Gegham Vardanian, producer of Internews Media
Support public organization website www.media.am, and Manu Iritsian,
correspondent of "Interactive" TV project - considered the issues of
misinformation on the Internet and its influence on media content.
The next "E-Club" will be aired on "A1+" on June 21.
"YERKRAGUND" ON THE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS RESULTS IN TURKEY
On June 14 the eight show of "Yerkragund" ("Globe") cycle went on the
evening air of "Yerkir Media" TV company. The current show was produced by
Yerevan Press Club under a joint YPC and Internews Network project,
"Dialogue Building Between Armenia and Turkey", supported by the Bureau of
Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor of US Department of State.
The guests of the program host, YPC President Boris Navasardian, were Anush
Hovhannisian, Senior Staff Scientist at the Turkish Department of the
Institute of Oriental Studies of RA National Academy of Sciences, Stepan
Grigorian, Head of Analytical Center for Globalization and Regional
Cooperation, Aghavni Harutiunian, correspondent of "Azg" daily, and
turcologist Artak Shakarian. The guests discussed the results o f the June
12, 2011 parliamentary elections in Turkey.
The next "Yerkragund" show will be aired on "Yerkir Media" on Tuesday, June
21 at 19.15 (rerun - on Thursday, June 23 at 14.15).
STATEMENT OF NGO-MEMBERS OF WORKING GROUP ON REFORMING THE BROADCAST
LEGISLATION
On June 15 the NGO-members of the working group on reforming the broadcast
legislation, regulating the process of switching from analogue to digital
broadcast in Armenia released a statement. As it has been reported, the
working group, headed by the RA Human Rights Defender, was created in
September 2010 upon the initiative of RA President Serzh Sargsian (see
details in YPC Weekly Newsletter, October 8-14, 2010).
The statement signatories are the heads of three NGOs: Nouneh Sarkissian,
Managing Director of Internews Media Support public organization, President
of Yerevan Press Club Boris Navasardian and Arzuman Harutiunian, President
of Audio-Visual Reporters Association.
"In 2010 the RA Human Rights Defender formed a working group (WG) on
reforming the broadcast legislation, regulating the process of switching
from analogue to digital broadcast in Armenia. The group aimed at amending
the RA Law "On Television and Radio", proceeding from the numerous critical
appraisals. In February 2011, the preliminary draft version developed by us
- several NGOs - was adopted by the working group to serve as a basis for
further improvements.
On May 31, 2011 the draft law was submitted to the RA National Assembly
supplemented by the comments and suggestions from the WG members, also by
the conclusions delivered by international experts regarding the preliminary
draft version. Simultaneously, this indicated the end of the WG activities,
which was formed to address the most urgent problems in the field.
We, WG members-representatives of journalistic NGOs, express our concern
with the current version of the draft, considering it imperfect, and the
shutdown of the WG activities - premature. The draft contains a number of
important clauses that were not properly addressed and still require a
thorough discussion and analysis. Suggestions and recommendations provided
by the experts, including the feedback from the Council of Europe and OSCE,
were not considered in full and completely.
Such a situation questions the initial key objective of our activities,
which is to contribute to the adoption of a perfectly worked out law by the
RA National Assembly.
As the co-authors of the preliminary draft version, we state that we
continue our activities over the improvement of the draft and in future we
are intended to submit it to the RA National Assembly in a separate package.
Given this fact, we would like to request the NA Standing Committee on
Science, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport to postpone any possible
discussion on the draft," the statement of the three journalistic
associations stresses.
A YEAR LATER... AFTER ALL GOVERNOR OF SHIRAK DID NOT PROVIDE INFORMATION
On June 16, a year has passed since the Governor of Shirak region Ashot
Gizirian does not implement the terms of the amicable agreement, concluded
between him and "Asparez" Journalists Club of Gyumri on June 16, 2010.
"Asparez" informed about this in its press release disseminated on the
occasion of the "jubilee". As it has been reported, on January 18 and 29,
2010 the Board Chairman of "Asparez" Levon Barseghian addressed Lida Nanian
- the Governor of Shirak region at that time - requesting to provide
information on budgetary funds, allocated in 2005-2009 as financial
assistance to impecunious citizens of Shirak, the copies of the Governor's
relevant decisions, and on the 2005-2009 expenditure of budgetary funds
under article "Representation Expenses". As the requested information was
granted partially, Levon Barseghian filed the RA Administrative Court of
Gyumri, demanding to hold the inaction of the Governor, oblige Lida Nanian
to fully reply to both inquiries, as well as exact the state duty for
filling the suit. The hearings on the suit started on April 27, 2010 and
ended on June 16 with an amicable agreement. The new Governor of Shirak
region Ashot Gizirian engaged to fully provide with the requested
information until July 1, while the Board Chairman of "Asparez" committed to
withdrawing the suit. However, "Asparez" received the part of the documents,
even then unduly, on January 14, 2011, only after addressing the Shirak
Regional Department of the RA Service of Compulsory Execution of Judicial
Acts. On March 30 Levon Barseghian once again referred to the Service of
Compulsory Execution for assistance in the full implementation of the
amicable agreement (see YPC Weekly Newsletter, April 8-14, 2011).
In May 2011 Shirak Regional Department of the RA Service of Compulsory
Execution addressed the Administrative Court requesting to give explanations
on the June 16, 2010 decision, which is subject to implementation. The Court
revoked the application. As a result, the compulsory executors are not able
to carry out their obligations for several months, while the law provides
for a two-month term, the press release of "Asparez" notes. Meanwhile, the
public waits already a year for the information on how the 70 million AMD
were allocated to impecunious people at the expense of taxpayers.
"IRAVUNK" SUES REPORT.AM
On June 15 court of general jurisdiction of Kentron and Nork-Marash
administrative districts of Yerevan started hearing the suit of Hayk
Babukhanian, Chairman of the Editorial Council of "Iravunk" newspaper,
versus "Khmbagir" LLC, founder of Report.am news portal, and Edik
Andreasian, Report.am observer. The plaintiff demands to refute the
information discrediting his honor, dignity and business reputation, as
contained in the piece by Edik Andreasian "When Forcing the Unpromptable"
(stored on Report.am on March 25, 2011) and in the readers' comments on that
piece. Hayk Babukhanian also demands to compensate the moral damage of 1
million AMD (more than $ 2,500), cover the court expenses, including the
state duty for filing the court of 8,000 AMD and the attorney services fee
(meanwhile, the plaintiff did not specified the sum). Together with the suit
- submitted to consideration on April 22, 2011 - a petition was made
requesting to prohibit the respondent to diffuse any information on another
case which is presently being considered by the same court of general
jurisdiction of Kentron and Nork-Marash administrative districts of Yerevan.
This regards a similar suit on protecting the honor, dignity and business
reputation, lodged by Hayk Babukhanian and founder of "Iravunk" newspaper,
"Iravunk Media" LLC, versus Report.am founder, "Khmbagir" LLC, and news
portal's observer Edik Andreasian. The subject matter of the case is the
September 1, 2010 piece of Report.am "The Right of 'Iravunk' on the Edge of
Hayk Babukhanian's Sword". The plaintiffs demanded to refute the
discrediting information, as contained in the piece, as well as exact from
each respondent 3 million AMD (about $ 8,000) as moral damage compensation,
caused by libel and insult. (This suit was submitted to consideration on
November 22, 2010; the hearings started on January 27, 2011; for now four
preliminary sessions were held and the next one will be on July 1.) The
motion on banning the diffusion of any information regarding the case was
secured, and Report.am removed all the respective materials from its
website.
At the June 15 session the parties precised the suit demands. The next
session will take place on June 30.
"A1+" VERSUS NCTR: FOUNDER OF "ARMNEWS" DID NOT APPEAR BEFORE THE COURT
On June 10 a session on the suit of "A1+" TV company founder, "Meltex" LLC,
versus National Commission on Television and Radio was held at the RA
Administrative Court. As it has been reported, on February 21 "Meltex"
contested the results of digital broadcast licensing competition No.11. The
founders of "A1+" and "ArmNews" TV companies were opponents in this
competition (the latter became the winner). The NCTR December 16, 2010
decision on competition No.11 noted that the financial means, claimed by
"Meltex" LLC, "cannot be sufficient, given that the significant part of the
supporting documents on the financial assistance (...) is forged and
unjustified". Namely, this fact rendered impossible for "A1+" to implement a
complete broadcast in the digital network in Yerevan, assured the NCTR.
Assessing this justification as forced and biased, "Meltex" addressed the
court demanding to restore its violated rights and nullify the NCTR decision
on competition No.11. At the hearings, started on May 11, 2011, the Court
secured the plaintiff's motion on impleading "ArmNews" CJSC, founder of
"ArmNews" TV channel, as a third party in the case (see YPC Weekly
Newsletter, May 6-12, 2011).
At the session of June 10 the judge announced that the notice about the date
of the session addressed to the legal address of "ArmNews" CJSC came back.
This is conditioned by the fact that de facto the party resides in another
place. However, later the "ArmNews" founder was notified, but instead of
appearing before court it sent a letter. The plaintiff and the respondent
requested the court to grant some time for reviewing the letter. The next
session will be held on July 8.
Meanwhile, on June 10 the Resolution CM/ResDH(2011)39 on execution of the
June 17, 2008 judgment of the European Court of Human Rights on the case of
"Meltex" LLC versus Republic of Armenia was released. The Resolution was
adopted by the Committee of Ministers on June 8, 2011 at the 1115th Meeting
of the Ministers' Deputies. The document stresses that the Committee of
Ministers, having examined the measures taken by the respondent state
"decides to close the examination of this case" (see the full Resolution
text on the CoE Committee of Ministers website
https://wcd.coe.int/wcd/ViewDoc.jsp?Ref=CM/Del/Dec%282011%291115&Language=la
nEnglish&Ver=volres&Site=CM&BackColorInternetŰDCF2 &BackColorIntranetýC86
4&BackColorLoggedýC864). As it has been reported, the refusals to grant a
broadcast license to "Meltex" LLC were recognized by ECHR to be a violation
of Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental
Freedoms, i.e., of the right of the applicant to freely impart information
and ideas (see YPC Weekly Newsletter, June 13-19, 2008).
According to the "A1+" head Mesrop Movsesian, the ECHR ruling was not
implemented: in fact, except for paying the material compensation, Armenia
had to undertake open and transparent broadcast licensing competition.
Nonetheless, these terms were not ensured during the digital broadcast
licensing competitions held by NCTR in 2010, thereby the founder of "A1+"
appealed against the NCTR decision on competition No.11, emphasized Mesrop
Movsesian.
When reprinting or using the information above, reference to the Yerevan
Press Club is required.
You are welcome to send any comment and feedback about the Newsletter to:
[email protected]
Subscription for the Newsletter is free. To subscribe or unsubscribe from
this mailing list, please send a message to: [email protected]
Editor of YPC Newsletter - Elina POGHOSBEKIAN
____________________________________________
Yerevan Press Club
9B, Ghazar Parpetsi str.
0002, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+ 374 10) 53 00 67; 53 35 41; 53 76 62
Fax: (+374 10) 53 56 61
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.ypc.am
JUNE 10-16, 2011
HIGHLIGHTS:
"E-CLUB" CYCLE: INTERNET AND MISINFORMATION
"YERKRAGUND" ON THE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS RESULTS IN TURKEY
STATEMENT OF NGO-MEMBERS OF WORKING GROUP ON REFORMING THE BROADCAST
LEGISLATION
A YEAR LATER... AFTER ALL GOVERNOR OF SHIRAK DID NOT PROVIDE INFORMATION
"IRAVUNK" SUES REPORT.AM
"A1+" VERSUS NCTR: FOUNDER OF "ARMNEWS" DID NOT APPEAR BEFORE THE COURT
"E-CLUB" CYCLE: INTERNET AND MISINFORMATION
On June 14 another program from "E-Club" weekly cycle went on the online
broadcast of "A1+" TV company (www.a1plus.am). The "E-Club" is produced by
Yerevan Press Club in cooperation with "A1+" TV company under "Alternative
Resources in Media" project, supported by USAID.
The information and education blocs, particularly, told about the capacities
of softwares for Armenian language, presented the site of enquiry service
"Spyur", www.spyur.am, and talked about online castings. The guests of the
discussion part of "E-Club" - Gegham Vardanian, producer of Internews Media
Support public organization website www.media.am, and Manu Iritsian,
correspondent of "Interactive" TV project - considered the issues of
misinformation on the Internet and its influence on media content.
The next "E-Club" will be aired on "A1+" on June 21.
"YERKRAGUND" ON THE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS RESULTS IN TURKEY
On June 14 the eight show of "Yerkragund" ("Globe") cycle went on the
evening air of "Yerkir Media" TV company. The current show was produced by
Yerevan Press Club under a joint YPC and Internews Network project,
"Dialogue Building Between Armenia and Turkey", supported by the Bureau of
Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor of US Department of State.
The guests of the program host, YPC President Boris Navasardian, were Anush
Hovhannisian, Senior Staff Scientist at the Turkish Department of the
Institute of Oriental Studies of RA National Academy of Sciences, Stepan
Grigorian, Head of Analytical Center for Globalization and Regional
Cooperation, Aghavni Harutiunian, correspondent of "Azg" daily, and
turcologist Artak Shakarian. The guests discussed the results o f the June
12, 2011 parliamentary elections in Turkey.
The next "Yerkragund" show will be aired on "Yerkir Media" on Tuesday, June
21 at 19.15 (rerun - on Thursday, June 23 at 14.15).
STATEMENT OF NGO-MEMBERS OF WORKING GROUP ON REFORMING THE BROADCAST
LEGISLATION
On June 15 the NGO-members of the working group on reforming the broadcast
legislation, regulating the process of switching from analogue to digital
broadcast in Armenia released a statement. As it has been reported, the
working group, headed by the RA Human Rights Defender, was created in
September 2010 upon the initiative of RA President Serzh Sargsian (see
details in YPC Weekly Newsletter, October 8-14, 2010).
The statement signatories are the heads of three NGOs: Nouneh Sarkissian,
Managing Director of Internews Media Support public organization, President
of Yerevan Press Club Boris Navasardian and Arzuman Harutiunian, President
of Audio-Visual Reporters Association.
"In 2010 the RA Human Rights Defender formed a working group (WG) on
reforming the broadcast legislation, regulating the process of switching
from analogue to digital broadcast in Armenia. The group aimed at amending
the RA Law "On Television and Radio", proceeding from the numerous critical
appraisals. In February 2011, the preliminary draft version developed by us
- several NGOs - was adopted by the working group to serve as a basis for
further improvements.
On May 31, 2011 the draft law was submitted to the RA National Assembly
supplemented by the comments and suggestions from the WG members, also by
the conclusions delivered by international experts regarding the preliminary
draft version. Simultaneously, this indicated the end of the WG activities,
which was formed to address the most urgent problems in the field.
We, WG members-representatives of journalistic NGOs, express our concern
with the current version of the draft, considering it imperfect, and the
shutdown of the WG activities - premature. The draft contains a number of
important clauses that were not properly addressed and still require a
thorough discussion and analysis. Suggestions and recommendations provided
by the experts, including the feedback from the Council of Europe and OSCE,
were not considered in full and completely.
Such a situation questions the initial key objective of our activities,
which is to contribute to the adoption of a perfectly worked out law by the
RA National Assembly.
As the co-authors of the preliminary draft version, we state that we
continue our activities over the improvement of the draft and in future we
are intended to submit it to the RA National Assembly in a separate package.
Given this fact, we would like to request the NA Standing Committee on
Science, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport to postpone any possible
discussion on the draft," the statement of the three journalistic
associations stresses.
A YEAR LATER... AFTER ALL GOVERNOR OF SHIRAK DID NOT PROVIDE INFORMATION
On June 16, a year has passed since the Governor of Shirak region Ashot
Gizirian does not implement the terms of the amicable agreement, concluded
between him and "Asparez" Journalists Club of Gyumri on June 16, 2010.
"Asparez" informed about this in its press release disseminated on the
occasion of the "jubilee". As it has been reported, on January 18 and 29,
2010 the Board Chairman of "Asparez" Levon Barseghian addressed Lida Nanian
- the Governor of Shirak region at that time - requesting to provide
information on budgetary funds, allocated in 2005-2009 as financial
assistance to impecunious citizens of Shirak, the copies of the Governor's
relevant decisions, and on the 2005-2009 expenditure of budgetary funds
under article "Representation Expenses". As the requested information was
granted partially, Levon Barseghian filed the RA Administrative Court of
Gyumri, demanding to hold the inaction of the Governor, oblige Lida Nanian
to fully reply to both inquiries, as well as exact the state duty for
filling the suit. The hearings on the suit started on April 27, 2010 and
ended on June 16 with an amicable agreement. The new Governor of Shirak
region Ashot Gizirian engaged to fully provide with the requested
information until July 1, while the Board Chairman of "Asparez" committed to
withdrawing the suit. However, "Asparez" received the part of the documents,
even then unduly, on January 14, 2011, only after addressing the Shirak
Regional Department of the RA Service of Compulsory Execution of Judicial
Acts. On March 30 Levon Barseghian once again referred to the Service of
Compulsory Execution for assistance in the full implementation of the
amicable agreement (see YPC Weekly Newsletter, April 8-14, 2011).
In May 2011 Shirak Regional Department of the RA Service of Compulsory
Execution addressed the Administrative Court requesting to give explanations
on the June 16, 2010 decision, which is subject to implementation. The Court
revoked the application. As a result, the compulsory executors are not able
to carry out their obligations for several months, while the law provides
for a two-month term, the press release of "Asparez" notes. Meanwhile, the
public waits already a year for the information on how the 70 million AMD
were allocated to impecunious people at the expense of taxpayers.
"IRAVUNK" SUES REPORT.AM
On June 15 court of general jurisdiction of Kentron and Nork-Marash
administrative districts of Yerevan started hearing the suit of Hayk
Babukhanian, Chairman of the Editorial Council of "Iravunk" newspaper,
versus "Khmbagir" LLC, founder of Report.am news portal, and Edik
Andreasian, Report.am observer. The plaintiff demands to refute the
information discrediting his honor, dignity and business reputation, as
contained in the piece by Edik Andreasian "When Forcing the Unpromptable"
(stored on Report.am on March 25, 2011) and in the readers' comments on that
piece. Hayk Babukhanian also demands to compensate the moral damage of 1
million AMD (more than $ 2,500), cover the court expenses, including the
state duty for filing the court of 8,000 AMD and the attorney services fee
(meanwhile, the plaintiff did not specified the sum). Together with the suit
- submitted to consideration on April 22, 2011 - a petition was made
requesting to prohibit the respondent to diffuse any information on another
case which is presently being considered by the same court of general
jurisdiction of Kentron and Nork-Marash administrative districts of Yerevan.
This regards a similar suit on protecting the honor, dignity and business
reputation, lodged by Hayk Babukhanian and founder of "Iravunk" newspaper,
"Iravunk Media" LLC, versus Report.am founder, "Khmbagir" LLC, and news
portal's observer Edik Andreasian. The subject matter of the case is the
September 1, 2010 piece of Report.am "The Right of 'Iravunk' on the Edge of
Hayk Babukhanian's Sword". The plaintiffs demanded to refute the
discrediting information, as contained in the piece, as well as exact from
each respondent 3 million AMD (about $ 8,000) as moral damage compensation,
caused by libel and insult. (This suit was submitted to consideration on
November 22, 2010; the hearings started on January 27, 2011; for now four
preliminary sessions were held and the next one will be on July 1.) The
motion on banning the diffusion of any information regarding the case was
secured, and Report.am removed all the respective materials from its
website.
At the June 15 session the parties precised the suit demands. The next
session will take place on June 30.
"A1+" VERSUS NCTR: FOUNDER OF "ARMNEWS" DID NOT APPEAR BEFORE THE COURT
On June 10 a session on the suit of "A1+" TV company founder, "Meltex" LLC,
versus National Commission on Television and Radio was held at the RA
Administrative Court. As it has been reported, on February 21 "Meltex"
contested the results of digital broadcast licensing competition No.11. The
founders of "A1+" and "ArmNews" TV companies were opponents in this
competition (the latter became the winner). The NCTR December 16, 2010
decision on competition No.11 noted that the financial means, claimed by
"Meltex" LLC, "cannot be sufficient, given that the significant part of the
supporting documents on the financial assistance (...) is forged and
unjustified". Namely, this fact rendered impossible for "A1+" to implement a
complete broadcast in the digital network in Yerevan, assured the NCTR.
Assessing this justification as forced and biased, "Meltex" addressed the
court demanding to restore its violated rights and nullify the NCTR decision
on competition No.11. At the hearings, started on May 11, 2011, the Court
secured the plaintiff's motion on impleading "ArmNews" CJSC, founder of
"ArmNews" TV channel, as a third party in the case (see YPC Weekly
Newsletter, May 6-12, 2011).
At the session of June 10 the judge announced that the notice about the date
of the session addressed to the legal address of "ArmNews" CJSC came back.
This is conditioned by the fact that de facto the party resides in another
place. However, later the "ArmNews" founder was notified, but instead of
appearing before court it sent a letter. The plaintiff and the respondent
requested the court to grant some time for reviewing the letter. The next
session will be held on July 8.
Meanwhile, on June 10 the Resolution CM/ResDH(2011)39 on execution of the
June 17, 2008 judgment of the European Court of Human Rights on the case of
"Meltex" LLC versus Republic of Armenia was released. The Resolution was
adopted by the Committee of Ministers on June 8, 2011 at the 1115th Meeting
of the Ministers' Deputies. The document stresses that the Committee of
Ministers, having examined the measures taken by the respondent state
"decides to close the examination of this case" (see the full Resolution
text on the CoE Committee of Ministers website
https://wcd.coe.int/wcd/ViewDoc.jsp?Ref=CM/Del/Dec%282011%291115&Language=la
nEnglish&Ver=volres&Site=CM&BackColorInternetŰDCF2 &BackColorIntranetýC86
4&BackColorLoggedýC864). As it has been reported, the refusals to grant a
broadcast license to "Meltex" LLC were recognized by ECHR to be a violation
of Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental
Freedoms, i.e., of the right of the applicant to freely impart information
and ideas (see YPC Weekly Newsletter, June 13-19, 2008).
According to the "A1+" head Mesrop Movsesian, the ECHR ruling was not
implemented: in fact, except for paying the material compensation, Armenia
had to undertake open and transparent broadcast licensing competition.
Nonetheless, these terms were not ensured during the digital broadcast
licensing competitions held by NCTR in 2010, thereby the founder of "A1+"
appealed against the NCTR decision on competition No.11, emphasized Mesrop
Movsesian.
When reprinting or using the information above, reference to the Yerevan
Press Club is required.
You are welcome to send any comment and feedback about the Newsletter to:
[email protected]
Subscription for the Newsletter is free. To subscribe or unsubscribe from
this mailing list, please send a message to: [email protected]
Editor of YPC Newsletter - Elina POGHOSBEKIAN
____________________________________________
Yerevan Press Club
9B, Ghazar Parpetsi str.
0002, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+ 374 10) 53 00 67; 53 35 41; 53 76 62
Fax: (+374 10) 53 56 61
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.ypc.am