With every single escalation of domestic and foreign political situation, the number of cases of targeting journalists and media outlets in Armenia is increasing, especially when the latter are carrying out their legitimate professional activities.
It’s a pity, that recently we have witnessed numerous cases of targeting journalists and media outlets from both the government and opposition sides, as well as from the circles surrounding them. Neither side can make the journalists’ right to ask questions a subject of discussion.
However, the cynicism with which the representatives of the Civil Contract faction treat journalists is unparalleled, both in terms of committing a despicable act and in terms of not realizing its consequences.
It is a real tragedy to see that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the RA, who does not want to communicate with journalists from his own country, communicates in a manner that is inadequate to his position and title with the journalist who simply asked him a question, 24News journalist Mari Manukyan, and other journalists.
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It is even more hidrous to watch how Andranik Kocharyan, an elderly MP from the ruling faction of the National Assembly Civil Contract (CP), talks to a female journalist of his child’s age, Yerevan Tribune journalist Hripsime Jebejyan, and only because he does not like the questions the latter asks.
It is pointless, of course, to once again call on the authorities to restrain this or that official, because after each such manifestation they become more impudent, cynical and unbridled, and obstructing a journalist’s legitimate professional activity has a specific criminal article. This is for Andranik Kocharyan’s attention, a deputy from the NA Civil Contract faction.
We call on media representatives not to give in to provocations under any circumstances, and to act within the framework of the law and professional ethics.
The Union of Journalists of Armenia strongly condemns the targeting of journalists and the obstruction of their legitimate professional activities, and calls on government representatives in particular to come to a constructive field and, ultimately, to understand that answering questions is a mandatory action arising from their position.
We call for Andranik Kocharyan to be held strictly accountable for displaying reckless behaviour, violating parliamentary ethics, insulting a journalist, and obstructing their work.
UNION OF JOURNALISTS OF ARMENIA
