On September 27, in Yerevan, the Freedom of Information Center (FOI) named the awardees of its eleventh annual contest "Golden Key and Rusty Lock". By tradition, the event was dedicated to the International Right to Know Day.
In 2013, the state agency, which was the best to apply the RA Law “On Freedom of Information”, was the RA Ministry of Finance.
The electronic system of the State Register of the Legal Entities of the RA Ministry of Justice was recognized as the best official website.
In 2013, Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center used its right to freedom of information the most effectively.
Panorama.am became the media outlet, which was the most active in covering issues related to freedom of information.
Arayik Melkumian (Court of General Jurisdiction of Kentron and Nork-Marash Administrative Districts of Yerevan) was recognized as the Judge, who successfully restored a violated right to freedom of information.
Lawyer Artak Zeynalian was named as the most consistent human rights advocate for the right to freedom of information.
By tradition, all persons and organizations, listed above, were awarded prizes of a gold key – as a symbol of openness and transparency.
Special awards by the FOI Center were given to: the Staff of the RA Government (for efficient organization of the implementation of the Armenian Country Action Plan in the Open Government Partnership international initiative) and the RA Ministry of Diaspora (for providing timely and complete answers to online requests on providing information).
In 2013, the rusty lock, a symbol of secrecy, was conferred upon the RA Ministry of Urban Development, the RA Ministry of Economy, the RA Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, as well as “Parking City Service” CJSC – as agencies, which answered the most ridiculously to information requests.
Rusty locks were also awarded to the Yerevan Municipality – as the agency, which was the slowest to respond to citizen requests, and the RA National Assembly – as the most confidential body, complying the worst with the requirements of the Law "On Freedom of Information".
