Within the framework of high-rank conference of “Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Europe”, in these days, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muižnieks is in Armenia. We present the interview of Aravot.am with senior European official. – Mr. Muižnieks, according to some studies, RA is ranked among countries with not free press, although some experts see progress in this field. What is your assessment? – I cannot give a clear assessment at this point regarding the overall image of the freedom of press in Armenia, because I do not have a comprehensive study at hand. But, in the near future, I will come back to Armenia for this very objective to examine the state of press freedom in Armenia, as it is one of priority studies for us. – Mr. Muižnieks, how would you assess yesterday’s incident when the activists combating discrimination intruded into the conference room. How did this incident react your opinion on ensuring rights to free expression of opinion and fundamental human rights? – Generally, it is what the activists are doing around the world. An ordinary phenomenon was registered, I’ve been witnessing such incidents in the United Nations, the Council of Europe and other places. Everything was normal, and I think that was the reaction and behavior of the authorities was far right: they allowed the activists have the opportunity to freely express their opinions. – From the perspective of the right to free expression of the opinion and in accordance with the provisions of the PACE, was withdrawal of PACE delegate Zaruhi Postanjyan by the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Armenian justified? – I am sorry, but I can not make comments about it.
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
