NTRC APPOINTED BY ONE PERSON CANNOT BE INDEPENDENT

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In December 2004 the Venice Commission noted in its conclusion that Armenia has serious problems as regards to the freedom and independence of speech. Among the fundamental freedoms Vardan Poghosyan, a specialist of the constitutional right, attaches importance to the guarantees of the freedom of mass media within the Constitution. «In this view the coalition draft contains items, which can create difficulties. According to the draft the activity and responsibility for the mass media are determined by the law.

Since 2000 the Venice Commission has many time attracted attention of the RA leadership that an independent body is essential for securing the rights of the mass media and proposed as an example the corresponding article in the Constitutions of Portugal. To note, in Spain, Greece and Eastern Europe the independence of mass media is provided by the Constitution.

In Vardan Poghosyan the similar institute has been established in the states, which proceeded from authoritarianism to democracy.

However the proposals of the Venice Commission were neglected. The National TV and Radio Committee cannot guarantee the freedom of speech on TV and Radio, as it is dependent of one person, who actually possesses the executive power. Independent bodies dealing with the mass media problems are usually formed by the parliament”, Vardan Poghosyan says.

The Venice Commission expressed hope that the NTRC composition will be refreshed soon and fair conditions for receiving licenses will be established. «In these lines the Venice Commission calls the RA authorities to re-consider the A1+ issue», Vardan Poghosyan resumed.

Victoria Abrahamyan