Journalism organizations issue statement, condemn attack on Hayeli.am

Journalism organizations have issued a statement relating to the attack on Hayeli press club on October 5 when a group of young people came to the club threw eggs and fixed “condemning” posters on the walls and the door of the Hayeli.am editorial’s office.

The young people explained the reason of their actions with the article of Hayeli entitled “Aliyev’s late but mighty response to Pashinyan” which later was changed into “Aliyev’s late but “strong” response to Pashinyan.”

“Refraining from professional assessments to the title of the publication we register that it is an opinion, judgment which any person in democratic society has right to express irrespective whether some like it or not. Thus, we consider the steps aimed at encroachment and pressure of this right inadmissible and condemnable,” the statement of the organization said.

In the statement they also demanded from the authorities and opposition political forces come up with the statements and urge their supporters and advocates display restriction and tolerance toward those expressing different opinions and viewpoints.

“We demand from the law enforcement bodies to examine the incident in Hayeli.am editor’s office and apply responsibility measures if necessary grounds exist for doing it,” the statement said.

The organizations also demanded mass media “serving the interests of different political camps return to the professional field, give up the manipulations and refrain from spreading disinformation, follow journalistic ethics norms, respect and present the variety of opinions existing in the public.”

The statement was signed by Committee of Protection of Freedom of Speech, Center of Media Initiatives, Asparez press club, Information Freedom Center and others.