Thousands of our compatriots are raising their voices of protest these days, being subject to violence, beating and humiliation by the police forces. As I alarmed yesterday, the police are literally beating the demonstrators, violent actions crossing all possible boundaries against journalists recorded.
Of course, we can make “beautiful” publications regarding the World Press Freedom Day but we should look at the reality directly: in today’s democratic Armenia journalists are subject to violence, their professional activity is hindered, and still unpunished.
In relation with such inadmissible behavior by the police forces in Armenia, I urgently addressed the ambassadors to Armenia, also my international colleagues, the institutions, whose general function is the protection of human rights.
The European Union in Armenia Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin replies to my letter and notes that she has reached out to the relevant authorities and underlined the importance of ensuring that law enforcement and the police forces refrain from excessive use of force. On the World Press Freedom Day, the Head of the EU Delegation underlines, that it is crucial that media should be free in performing their professional duties and work without intimidation. Mrs. Wiktorin also notes that adherence to the rule of law applies to the police in the same way that it applies to every member of the public.
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Agree, the media must work without intimidation, the actions of the police should be based on the rule of law, but we note with regret that democracy in Armenia is rapidly declining. Certainly, the Government should have been the guarantor of the rights and freedoms of the RA citizens, while in reality there are a number of cases of beating an Armenian citizen by an Armenian representative of authority, aggressive police actions, violence against journalists and peaceful demonstrators. We do not despair and move forward undoubtedly. We will not retreat!
P.S. Following the attitude of the Head of the State Security Service of RA Sargis Hovhannisyan and his employee towards the “MediaHab” journalist Nare Gevorgyan and cameraman Arman Gharajyan, I addressed the RA Prosecutor General. The RA Prosecutor General’s Office has already informed that the video has been sent to the Investigative Committee. I am full of hope that every person, whether an official or not, hindering a journalist’s professional activity, will be held accountable according to the law.
Taguhi Tovmasyan
The Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia
