On March 25, the Freedom of Speech Day was celebrated in “October” cinema of Gyumri. The event was organized by “Asparez” Journalists Club of Gyumri and was marked in the second Armenian biggest town for already the third year. On this occasion four media representatives received memorable gifts: Anush Martirosian, correspondent of Radio "Free Europe"/Radio "Liberty" Armenian Service – for covering human rights issues; Inga Zarafian, President of “EcoLur” news NGO – for prompt coverage of environmental issues and contribution to http://ecolur.org; Satenik Vantsian, correspondent of Radio "Free Europe"/Radio "Liberty" Armenian Service – for covering issues on protection of social interests; Larisa Paremuzian, correspondent of “Hetq” online publication – for achievements in investigative journalism.
The Freedom of Speech Day was found in 2009 to mark the settlement of the situation with “GALA” TV company of Gyumri: the payment of tax liability by founder of “GALA”, “CHAP” LLC, which almost put the TV company on the verge of closing down. The funds for repaying the debt were donated by individuals and organizations, both Armenian and international. The tax inspections at “CHAP” LLC and the following lawsuits started, as soon as, on October 22, 2007, the “CHAP” owner Vahan Khachatrian announced about the attempts of various power agencies to exert pressure on “GALA”.
