The situation is most concerning”
"The situation of freedom of speech is most concerning in Armenia," RA Ombudsman noted in his 10th ad hoc report.
Harassment of journalists is politically motivated, with cases of violence against journalists increasing during elections. Journalists are chased for their professional activities, their rights and freedom to information are restricted. On the other hand, they are pressurized by publishing companies, which, in some cases, take away the copies of newspapers from newsstands.
Press was put under censorship starting March 20, 2008.
In the report, the Ombudsman also referred to embattled "A1+" which was denied a broadcasting right in yet another tender. In this regard, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that the Armenian government violated Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights: in particular, if the licensing authority does not justify its decision in a licensing procedure, it violates the right to freedom of speech."
Asked whether the Human Rights Defender will exercise his constitutional right and appeal to court to restore the right of A1+ Company, Mr. Harutyunyan said he could only challenge a non-compliance with the Constitution and advised the company to commence an action.
"I can not take legal action instead of A1+," he said.
In the report, the Ombudsman also touched upon the restrictions imposed on "Haykakan Zhamanak" daily and Nikol Pashinyan. The latter is presented as a journalist outside the context of the March 1 clashes.
Armen Harutyunyan is going to propose a package of amendments, which will protect the rights of journalists.
Asked what steps the Ombudsman suggests to address the issues raised in his report, Mr. Harutyunyan said, "First of all, we must liberalize the country's economy and abolish the oligarchic system which will help improve other spheres."
