In July-September of this year situation with the freedom of speech and
press was tense in Armenia. The Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression has
recorded 16 cases of violation.

Today
President of the Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression Ashot Melikyan
presented the 2012 third quarter report on the Freedom of Speech in Armenia
and violations of the rights of journalists and media.

In
July-September of this year the Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression has
recorded 16 cases of violation of the rights of journalists and media. One is
the case of physical violence, 9 cases relate to the pressure towards
journalists and media and 6 cases relate the violation of the right to receive
and disseminate information.

Compared
to the same period of the last year, the number of violations has been
increased by 3. However, compared to the previous quarter which has coincided
with the Parliamentary elections, the number has been reduced by 7.

«The practice shows that during the elections
pressure towards journalists and media usually intensifies and recent elections
were not an exception», highlighted Ashot Melikyan.

During the elections of the local government bodies
held in September the Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression has recorded 5
cases of violation. One of the cases was a physical violence, the remaining 4
cases involved violation of the right to receive and disseminate information.

The physical violence has been applied towards
the cameraman of «Tsayg» TV company. At the polling station 34/73 in Gyumri he
was pushed, slapped and there were attempts to seize his camera.

To compare, during the Parliamentary elections
the Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression has recorded 3 cases of
violation.

Within the previous quarter “A1plus” obtained the
possibility of 20 minutes broadcast on the Armnews TV Company. “Some people may
consider this as a tolerance of authorities towards freedom of speech. We
believe it is not sufficient condition to ensure the pluralism of the Armenian
broadcasting field. Moreover, we do not believe that issue of “A1 plus” is thus
settled”, told the President of the Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression.

Compared to the previous year the number of
lawsuits against media based on slander and insult has decreased.

In July-September of 2012 4 lawsuits were filed
against media and in one of the cases nine media outlets were involved as the
third party.

During 9 months of 2012 10 lawsuits were filed
against media outlets while 25 lawsuits were brought against last year. Two of
the lawsuits were proceeded in 2011 while the court examinations started in
2012.

Hindrance of the work of media in Gyumri during
the briefing of RA President Serzh Sargisyan has been recorded by the Committee
to Protect Freedom of Expression as a violation. Six media organizations issued
a statement condemning the incident. 

 “The
argumentation received from the President’s Administration that the space was
small is not fully reflects the reality and not persuasive. We consider it as discrimination
and this practice should be stopped”, highlighted Ashot Melikyan.