Reporters without borders concerned about media freedom in Armenia

Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a Paris-based watchdog monitoring and advocating freedom of press in world countries, has published a report voicing its concerns over media restrictions in Armenia in the wake of recent legislative changes.

“We are disturbed by the downward trend in respect for press freedom in Armenia and we urge parliament to reconsider recent legislative initiatives reducing the right of access to information and obstructing journalists’ work,” said Johann Bihr, the head of RSF’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk. “The authorities must also conduct full and impartial investigations into acts of violence against journalists and end impunity for such acts.”

The international media watchdog specifically points to the legislative amendments passed by parliament on 23 March, that government ministers will no longer be able to give interviews without the prime minister's permission, and reporters will not normally be allowed to attend government meetings, including cabinet meetings, which will be held behind closed doors.

The statement next refers to the local government that deprives journalists of access to the city hall in the capital, Yerevan. They will be restricted to a separate press centre and will not be able to attend municipal council meetings without the mayor's prior authorization.

By eliminating the exemption that journalists previously enjoyed, the law now contradicts Armenia's media law, which allows the publication of information about a person's family and private life if a public interest is served. Investigative reporting is now endangered because public figures could sue journalists for revealing personal information even if the journalists were investigating corruption, for example," part of the statement read.