Serzh Sargsyan follows Kocharyan's example
President of A1+ Company Mesrop Movsesyan is not surprised that the Administrative Court adjourns the hearing of A1+'s claim against the National Commission on Television and radio (NCTR).
"If earlier courts used to dismiss our claims, today they are simply adjourning hearings," said Mr. Movsesyan.
Serzh Sargsyan's policy towards A1+ was to somehow differ from that of Robert Kocharyan [Armenia's second president] and the difference lies in the postponement. Kocharyan decided that A1+ should no longer be on the air. Sargsyan was of the same opinion," he added.
Mesrop Movsesyan explains it with the upcoming election.
"Like Kocharyan, Serzh Sargsyan also wants to show that he is almighty and can do anything he wants."
Recently Serzh Sargsyan assigned judicial authorities to consider claims within reasonable timeframes. Asked whether judges would not obey Sargsyan's instruction, Mesrop Movsesyan said, "We repeatedly heard similar imitated statements during Kocharyan's office. Serzh Sargsyan is simply continuing the same policy. "
In reply to the question whether A1+ is an obstacle for the authorities, Mr. Movsesyan said, "Who decides whether A1+ hinders others or not? Do we hinder them with our earnest desire to conduct fair elections in the country? If so, then we are an obstacle for these authorities."
A1+ is disputing a December 16 decision of the NCTR, which deprived the company of airtime in a digital broadcasting tender. The state regulator gave A1+ only 2 votes, while awarding ArmNews with 44 points and victory. As a result, A1+, which controversially lost its broadcasting right in 2002, failed to regain a license for the 13th consecutive time, amid accusations that it is being shut out for political reasons.
