Journalists hold protest in support of Nikol Pashinyan
Representatives of print and internet media today held a protest at Yerevan's Republican Square in support of jailed editor-in-chief of Haykakan Zhamanak daily Nikol Pashinyan
They chained the square demanding the authorities to release Pashinyan and chanting "NIkol" and "Freedom". They also demanded the authorities to ensure Nikol's safety at the Kosh penitentiary institution.
Hayk Gevorgyan, currently in charge for the publication of Haykakan Zhamanak daily, said it was a symbolic action.
"All pressures against Pashinyan are aimed at suspending his activities as a journalist," he said.
ALM and GALA (Gyumri) also participated in today's protest.
Asked why other TV companies did not join the action, Hayk Gevorgyan said, "They do whatever they are told to do by Serzh Sargsyan and Robert Kocahryan."
Journalist of Hraparak newspaper Gayane Arustamyan is glad that journalists united to champion their right to freedom of speech.
"Pashinyan's imprisonment implies that freedom of expression is chained in Armenia. Any of us can appear in Nikol's place one day," she said.
Haykakan Zhamanak daily continues to publish Nikol's articles written in jail.
