October 19, 2007



We, the public organizations, express our concern over the negative and
unacceptable developments that have been recently observed with regard to
freedom of expression. The print media have been reporting that for several days
already correspondents of broadcast media do not come to press conferences,
organized at various press clubs. A supposition was made that this attitude is
imposed by various power agencies. We realize that media do not have to cover
all press conferences; however, the simultaneous and unanimous display of
indifference to events of public importance only comes to confirm the version of
intervention by “invisible hand”.

We receive alarming information that over the past week heads of private TV
companies were invited to various agencies, where they were “persuaded” to
ignore the public events, appearances of certain opposition figures, not to
invite them to studios, not to interview them and not to show them on air. In
particular, the TV companies have received a “recommendation” not to cover
(either positively or negatively) the rally of a number of political forces,
scheduled for October 26.

We remind that impeding the legitimate professional activities of journalists is
a criminal offence. Moreover, Clause 2 of Article 164 of the RA Criminal Code
refers to the commitment of the same offence by an official, using his/her
position.

Having no common political preferences or dislikes, all of us think it to be an
urgent necessity that information and opinions be disseminated freely, in
particular, ahead of presidential elections, and we call on authorities to
abstain from interfering with the editorial policy of media, primarily the
broadcasters, since it irreparably damages the freedom of expression and
pluralism as cornerstone principles of democracy.

Yerevan Press Club

Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression

“Asparez” Journalist’s Club

Vanadzor Press Club

Helsinki Committee of Armenia

Vanadzor Office of Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly