Today is May 3—World Press Freedom Day—and the government, along with its propagandists, does not hesitate to praise the “unprecedented democratic achievements” supposedly realized through their “skillful leadership.” In reality, we are still far from a functioning democracy. Let me present just three examples out of dozens.
The head of the executive branch demands the resignation of a member of the legislature. The latter refuses—and soon after, the Prosecutor General is sent “after him.” As a result, the remaining Civil Contract deputies are understandably afraid to show even the slightest hint of independence. Democracy cannot be built on fear.
Government MPs attack journalists with hostility and aggression. But their own party members protect them, refusing to hold them accountable—thereby ensuring that this behavior continues. Democracy cannot be built on tribal loyalty.
A district head, surrounded by his cronies, instigates a brawl inside the very institution he leads. In a democratic system, his party would condemn the act and expel him. Instead, they justify the violence, spinning a convoluted conspiracy narrative that frames the street fight as a defense of European values. And how does the mayor who appointed him respond? He does nothing—fearing blackmail from a “sister party.” Democracy cannot coexist with the justification of violence.
Read also
Independent media raise these concerns. And yes, in general, their work is not openly obstructed. But there are exceptions—such as when journalists are removed from the National Assembly gallery to prevent them from reporting on events deemed “inappropriate” for public view.
Yet today, the main weapon against the press is not direct violence or outright bans. It is the information noise created by trolls, fakers, and propagandists funded by the government. In that manufactured chaos, the voice of real journalism is increasingly hard to hear.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
