BILL SENT DOWN FROM 26 BAGHRAMIAN STREET
Support A1+!Should the National Assembly adopt laws endangering freedom of speech in Armenia?
On June 30, the representatives of “Partnership for Open Society” Initiative shared their concern over the amendments to the “Law on Television and Radio” and “Law on Levy.”
“This is an attempt to limit freedom of speech in Armenia. The authorities drew the bill in haste. They didn't even conduct public debates. Obviously, they want to silence RFE/RL as they cannot control it,” said Ashot Melikyan, the Chairman of the Committee for Protection of Freedom of Speech. He compared the excitement round the station with A1+'s closing. According to Ashot Melikyan mass media are subjected to censorship in Armenia.
It is noteworthy that none of the Armenian TV companies was present at today's discussion.
“The bill pursues political aims and it was sent down from 26 Bagramian Street, the President's residence,” Mesrop Harutiunyan, an expert of Yerevan Press Club, said. “This is a political trick directed to a concrete radio station. NA deputies don't care about bills. The NA 94 button pushers want to finish their work and have a rest.”
