Robert Kocharian sues Hraparak daily
Armenia's second President Robert Kocahrian has filed an action against Hraparak daily for publishing an article which, according to Kocharian, defamed his "good name and honor."
The article entitled "Kocahrian annihilated: Explanations given to Tsarukyan?" appeared in the newspaper on February 15.
Kocharian demanded that the newspaper refute the "fake information" and pay 6 million drams in compensation for the libel. Besides, Kocharian also demanded to put a lien on the newspaper's bank accounts.
The lien is already put into effect.
Earlier, Kocahrian's family had sued "Haykakan Zhamanak" and "Zhamanak" newspapers for disseminating misinformation about the family.
"No one paid attention to the concerns of chief editors who claimed that the amended civil code endangers freedom of speech. The menace has always been swinging over our heads. The amendments implied tough restrictions and gross fines on mass media and suggested that freedom of speech was finally silenced in the country," said Armine Ohanyan, editor-in-chief of Hraparak daily.
"Though Kocharian stands out for his provinciality and bloodthirsty, he is radiant with his stupidity," wrote Hraparak.
"Kocharian has declared a war against print media," said Ohanyan.
