On September 12 the OSCE Office in Yerevan expressed its concern over the recent
attacks on journalists and urged the law enforcement bodies of Armenia to undertake
proper measures to ensure the safety of the media professionals. The statement
of the OSCE Office in Yerevan says:
“The OSCE Office in Yerevan is deeply concerned over recent incidents
of violence and intimidation against local journalists which have obstructed
their professional duties and infringed upon the freedom of expression.
According to reports, on 6 September, the Editor-in-Chief of “Iravunk” newspaper,
Hovhannes Galajyan, was attacked and beaten by unknown men outside his Yerevan
home. On 12 July, freelance journalist Gagik Shamshian, who works for “Chorrord
Ishkhanutiun” and “Aravot” newspapers, was threatened and abused.
The Office considers it extremely important for these cases to be properly
investigated and calls for the perpetrators to be punished in full accordance
with the law. Law-enforcement bodies are urged to undertake prompt measures
to ensure the safety of media professionals in order to promote freedom of expression
in the country.
The Office welcomes the statements by the Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman),
the President’s Press Secretary and civil society organizations, who condemned
these acts of violence against journalists.
The OSCE Office in Yerevan will be closely following developments related to
these cases.”
