On September 26 at “Regine” hotel in Yerevan the ceremony of awarding the winners
of Freedom of Information Center’s annual competition took place. The event
was dedicated to the International Right to Know Day (established in 2002) and
organized with the assistance of USAID.
The most open institution in 2008 was recognized to be the Eghegnadzor municipality.
The best official Internet-source from the point of view of freedom of information
was recognized the web-site of the RA Ministry of Education and Science.
The most active defenders of their civil right to information were named the
citizens of Yerevan Artashes Hovhannisian and Armine Arakelian.
The public organization that is most active and efficient in using its right
to information was named to be ”Hakastver”.
Among the media of the country, the one most consistent in covering the freedom
of information issues and actively using the RA Law “On Freedom of Information”
was announced “Yerkir Media” TV company, and among the journalists – Observer
of “Yerkir Media” Mariam Barseghian.
By tradition all persons and organizations, listed above, received prizes of
a gold key – as a symbol of openness.
The most closed local self-government body in 2008 was recognized to be Hrazdan
municipality.
Ijevan municipality was awarded the title of “state institution that gave incorrect
or curious information” (the litigation between Ijevan municipality and “Investigative
Journalists” NGO – see above).
The municipalities of Hrazdan and Ijevan were awarded a rusty lock – a symbol
of secrecy.
