On November 13, 2025, law enforcement officers searched the office of the news platform AntiFake.am, as a result of which the majority of the equipment essential for the outlet’s broadcasting and daily operations was seized. In particular, all computers were taken, along with the podcast microphones, all available cameras, tripods and stands for cameras and microphones, filming drones, batteries and their chargers, storage devices, cables, all live-broadcasting equipment, the audio mixing console, and more, making it practically impossible for the media outlet to continue its work.
As is clear from the above, at least some, if not most, of the seized equipment is not even capable of storing information by its nature. Moreover, given the nature of the alleged crime that formed the basis for the search, the seized equipment cannot serve as material evidence. Therefore, the seizure is nothing other than an unprecedented practice in Armenia aimed at the apparent paralysis of a media outlet’s work.
The Armenian Mass Media Association condemns this approach by law enforcement bodies, which directly contradicts the fundamental values of a democratic society, freedom of speech and of the press, as well as the principle of unhindered activity of media outlets.
Considering the above, the Armenian Mass Media Association DEMANDS:
The immediate return of all equipment crucial for the operation of AntiFake.am in order to enable the restoration of its normal functioning.
To prevent in the future the total technical paralysis of media outlets within any legal proceeding.
At the same time, we – the member media organizations of the Armenian Mass Media Association reaffirm our readiness to support AntiFake.am with technical and professional resources, helping ensure the continuity of their media production until the equipment is returned and the outlet’s normal operations are fully restored.
