As per Freedom House report, in 2013, the freedom of the press in Armenia has recorded regress. Compared to the previous report, the rating of the freedom of the press in Armenia has dropped to one point, and instead of last year’s 61-point now it scores 62 points. Among the world countries, Armenia ranks 134th, and, according to the estimation of the “Global Freedom of Press – 2014” annual report, the media in the country is not free.
Aravot.am asked the Chairman of Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression Ashot Melikyan whether their findings are consistent with these parameters and what causes the regression of freedom of the press, especially in the context that the country’s authorities are constantly talking about ensuring freedom of the press. Mr. Melikyan responded, “The authorities were perhaps a little bit excited with the report of Reporters without Borders organization”, in the sense that Armenia is the best in the region, according to the report.
Anyway, we have our facts and statistics, which shows that 2013 was really a year of regress. In terms of physical violence and number of oppressions,the year 2013 was worse than 2012. If in 2012, there were four cases of physical assaults against journalists, whereas in 2013 they reached 10. Indeed, the year 2013 was unsuccessful and intense year, and in that respect, I agree with the estimates, our opinions coincide.”
In the opinion of Mr. Melikyan, the reason for such negative situation was that in 2013,there occurred two elections and activists’ movements, and during such cases the political situation is intensified. As said by Ashot Melikyan, under the tense political situation, the oppression against the media also increases, and any criticism is accepted more painfully, and they become more cautious in the presence of a journalist.
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Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
