HAK appeals Armenians to participate in fundraising
The Armenian National Congress (HAK) has issued a statement calling on Armenians to participate in the symbolic fundraising for the return of embattled A1+.
"In 2002, the Armenian government rescinded the broadcasting license of A1+ TV Company, thus putting an end to the dissemination of impartial information on television.
The presidential apparatus got hold of all Armenian TV companies and imposed an information blockade in the country. Armenian authorities have denied twelve other requests by A1+ for the re-issuance of its license, despite a ruling in favor of the independent outlet by the European Court of Human Rights in 2008. The regime controversially suspended the issue for years citing the need to expedite the country's transition to mandatory digital broadcasting.
This was followed by an unexpected decision which suggested reducing the number of television frequencies from 24 to 18 against the alleged 60-70 frequencies Armenia was supposed to have after switching to digitalization.
The list of participants in 18 licensing contests unveiled by the National Commission on Television and Radio (NCTR) suggests that only two frequencies will actually be contested by more than one company. One such contest features A1+ and ArmNews. It means that the contest is organized by a criminal agreement and its outcome is predetermined.
In a show of symbolic support for the embattled TV station, thousands of Armenians have reportedly donated small amounts of money to People's TV Foundation created to assist A1+.
The Armenian National Congress calls on everyone to participate in the fundraising.
There is no doubt that the NCTR will again execute the order of the authorities. However, each member of the NCTR should understand that he will be made accountable before people."
