Hetq's Chief Editor receives Media Freedom award
Edik Baghdasaryan, Hetq Online Chief Editor and President of the Investigative Journalists NGO, has been awarded the "2011 Media Freedom" on May 3 - on the eve of World Press Freedom Day.
The award was presented on behalf of the Yerevan Press Club, Journalists Union of Armenia, Internews Armenia and the Freedom of Speech Defence Committee.
Earlier, the prize was given to Aram Abrahamyan (editor-in-chief of "Aravot" daily), Tigran Paskevichyan (publicist) and Levon Baseghyan (president of "Asbarez" Press Club). No media representative has been awarded with the prize during the last two years.
"We have been seeking for a worthy person," said Nune Sargsyan, Executive Director of Internews Armenia.
She says printed press enjoys more freedom than television.
"I do not think that Armenia lacks people who can work freely and independently but we have no free air," said Sargsyan.
"I am surprised at journalists who do not protest against editors-in-chief who are unwilling to publish their articles. We are ready to protect them. All TV companies are chained and they do not want to get rid of these chains," added Edik Baghdasaryan.
The Freedom of Speech Defence Committee recorded no cases of violence against journalists in the first trimester of 2011. However, the number of cases showed an increase in the second trimester.
"This comes to show that there are people who use physical violence against journalists. Such people must be severely punished," said Ashot Melikyan, President of the Freedom of Speech Defence Committee.
