In the evening of September 28, 2017, Narineh Avetisyan, Editor-in-Chief of “Lori” TV company, was attacked in Vanadzor while carrying out her professional activities. She was informed about workers laying asphalt in the rain on the city bridge next to St. Holy Mother of God Church, and went there. While Narineh Avetisyan was shooting, Tigran Nazaryan, head of “Shinplus” construction company, and his employees attacked her, twisted her arms, threw her on the ground and seized her cellphone.

We, the undersigned media organizations, take into consideration, that a criminal case was filed on this incident. We also state that, according to our long-term observations, dozens of similar cases have remained unresolved, and those guilty have not been subjected to liability. This incident is also a result of similar violence that lead to no consequences and the atmosphere of impunity. Moreover, this is not the first time, when pressure is exerted on Narineh Avetisyan while performing her work.

Taking into consideration the above mentioned, we demand

– Lori Regional Department of the RA Investigative Committee to take a principled stand and conduct an unbiased investigation so that an adequate assessment of all the details of the incident is ensured and all those guilty are subjected to liability;

– RA Prosecutor’s Office to exercise due control for objective examination of the facts during the pre-investigation.

The authorities’ actions regarding this incident will be in the focus of our attention. We will inform the Armenian public about the developments and results of the above mentioned incident.

COMMITTEE TO PROTECT FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

YEREVAN PRESS CLUB

MEDIA INITIATIVES CENTER

“ASPAREZ” JOURNALISTS’ CLUB

MEDIA DIVERSITY INSTITUTE-ARMENIA

PUBLIC JOURNALISM CLUB

“JOURNALISTS FOR THE FUTURE”

“JOURNALISTS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS”

GORIS PRESS CLUB