Since February 2, the start of the spring session of the RA National Assembly,
restrictions have been introduced on TV camera movement in the parliament session
hall. As YPC was told at the parliament, this was done in accordance with the
instructions from the recently appointed Chief of Staff of RA National Assembly
Gegham Gharibjanian. Now the cameramen are allowed to make shootings freely
during 30 minutes from the start of the sessions, after which the work of the
TV cameras is allowed only from certain spots in the back end of the session
hall. The restriction does not apply to the sessions devoted to the statements
by the deputies as well as question and answer sessions with the Government.
Restrictions of TV camera movement are common in the international practice,
yet the use of such measures must be strictly defined in the accreditation procedure
or the NA Regulations. Otherwise they may be seen as voluntary restrictions
of the media freedom.
