The journalist
of "Aravot" and photo-correspondent of "Chorrord Ishkhanutiun"
who were brought to the police station of New Hachn were taken with such a
"warm" attitude. And everything began when "Aravot"
decided to elucidate, according to its promise, the coming elections of mayor
in New Hachn and to produce the situation in the city. But before entering the
city two officials of roadworthiness inspection stopped the car on Yerevan-Arzny
Bridge. Before finishing the explanations a white "06" arrived with
OAB 320 97 state numbers. A young man got out from the car approached to the inspector
and after speaking to him for a while, left. We introduced ourselves for continuing
our way after which the inspector gave the driver his documents back and allowed
to continue our way. Later it was found out that the above mentioned young man
had accompanied us till New Hachn and followed what we are engaged in. And we
were taking photos of former orchards which were given to poor families 10 years
ago but during last 10 years the city authorities took it back, cut and gave to
the state officials for building a factory of diamond and for other proposes.
One of the citizens, Mrs. Parandzem who was accompanying and showing us whom those
territories belong to showed us an enclosed territory given to the RA PM Andranik
Margarian. We were speaking to the inhabitants of temporary campers when the same
young man entered to the camper and said to the photo-correspondent to go out
for speaking. I tried to find out what’s the matter. We said that we were journalists
and taking photos was our profession. There were two cars and the deputy chief
of New Hachn Police had come personally. There were other policemen in civilian
clothes. They wanted our camera. After some unpleasant conversation they asked
us to get into the car though it was obvious that the target of the "operation"
was the photo-correspondent and his photo-camera. We had to phone to the RA chief
of policeman’s deputy on services Hovhannes Varian and to the editor-in-chief
of "Aravot" Aram Abrahamian. Anyway we were brought to the police station
of the city without having any reason or sanction though the attitude was another,
it was more tolerant. The chief of department Gagik Petrosian came. We were led
to one of the rooms of the Police then the photo-correspondent was invited to
a private conversation. He was asked what he had shot. 30-40 minutes later we
again was invited to the office of the chief of police where Mr. Khachatrian pretended
as if there was a misunderstanding. As if there were looking for a car and mixed
it up. "Who doesn’t work, don’t make mistakes,"- Mr. Khachatrian declared.
While we were in the police station men in civilian clothes were asking to the
driver why we have come, where we have stopped etc. By the way a VAZ-24 car was
following us till Yerevan.Naira MamikonianP.S.
We must remind to our policemen that state officials are threatened to criminal
responsibility for depriving people of freedom illegally and preventing professional
obligations of journalist.
