07/12/2018 22:16
Freedom of press seriously endangered in Armenia: expert
Political analyst Aghasi Yenokyan described the visit of police officials to News.am agency and the demand from the agency as pressure on media.
Speaking to Aysor.am, Yenokyan said that the situations with Yerevan Today, News.am are very dangerous tendencies.
“It is a very dangerous tendency. The law enforcement bodies are gradually turning into punitive bodies. An attempt is being made to pressure the freedom of speech,” Yenokyan.
He said the tendency will continue with worse manifestations after the parliamentary elections.
“I think Armenia’s freedom of press is under serious danger and it is necessary to undertake serious steps in that direction,” Yenokyan said.
He said he does not understand the behavior of the police officials as they could easily get what they wanted from open resources and there was no need to visit the agency’s office.
Such like case happened with Aysor.am as well recently when officials of 6th department of Armenia’s police dealing with corruption cases visited the office and asked to provide the sample of video recording of businesswoman Silva Hambardzumyan news conference which was available on YouTube.
The same happened today in News.am agency. Police officer visited the office of the agency demanding evidence and proofs of statements by RPA candidate Eduard Sharmazanov made in his live video in Facebook.