10 May, 2021, Yerevan

On 9 May, Ani Gevorgyan, correspondent of the television company “Armnews” and “Tert.am” addressed a question to Nikol Pashinyan, acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia in “Yerablour” Pantheon of Soldiers, when the latter was paying tribute to the memory of the deceased soldiers. The journalist tried to approach the head of Government, but this was prevented by the law enforcement and Mane Gevorgyan, Nikol Pashinyan’s press secretary. Later, the policemen restricted the free movement of both Ani Gevorgyan and the staff of the online media outlet “News.am” in the Pantheon.

This is not the first time when the press secretary of the Government personally interferes and prevents journalists from approaching the Prime Minister. We would like to remind that lately she obstructed the work of the correspondent of the television company “5th channel.” This is an unacceptable behaviour in breach of the rules of conduct of a civilised public official, and is even more unacceptable for an official in charge of communication with the media.

In view of the forthcoming snap elections and the envisaged mass events, we can maintain with confidence that the conditons for work for journalists will become even more complicated. Therefore, we call on public officials and the law enforcement authorities, as well as all the political forces participating in elections to demonstrate tolerance and reserve in respect of media workers. We also call on the latter to carry out their activities in line with the law and professional journalistic ethics.

COMMITTEE TO PROTECT FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
YEREVAN PRESS CLUB
MEDIA INITIATIVES CENTER
JOURNALISTS’ CLUB ‘ASPAREZ’
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION CENTER
MEDIA DIVERSITY INSTITUTE – ARMENIA
PUBLIC JOURNALISM CLUB
JOURNALISTS FOR FUTURE
JOURNALISTS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
GORIS PRESS CLUB
FEMIDA NGO