STATEMENT
Regarding the investigation of June 23, 2015 events, in which half a year later there are neither accused persons, nor suspects
Today marks half a year since the well-known events of June 23, 2015 on Marshal Baghramyan Avenue in Yerevan. Using brutal force against people protesting against hike in electricity tariffs, the law enforcement bodies exerted physical violence against 14 correspondents and cameramen and obstructed the legitimate professional activities of more than 20 various media representatives.
The police acted deliberately: the equipment of journalists was smashed, the memory cards were unlawfully seized, media representatives were taken to various police departments, audio and video materials were erased.
Six months after these events no one has been subjected to liability in manner prescribed by law. Although RA Special Investigation Service instituted a criminal case on July 3, the journalists involved in the case claim that it bears formal character without any results. A proof to that is the fact that although 31 persons had been recognized as injured parties, there are no accused persons or even suspects in the case so far. Meanwhile Internet abounds with video materials, clearly showing the perpetrators of violence.
Such an atmosphere of impunity leads to new similar infringements, which we witnessed on December 6, 2015, the day of conduct of the Referendum on Amendments to the RA Constitution, when physical violence was exerted on three media representatives and 14 correspondents and cameramen faced various types of obstruction of their professional activities.
We, the undersigned, once again expressing our resentment towards the actions of law enforcement bodies, restate the demands put forward in the previous statements: Special Investigation Service to display impartiality and responsibility in the investigation of the case; the RA Prosecutor’s Office to ensure proper control over this criminal case.
We also assure our colleagues that we will be consistent in tracking the actions of authorities and we will use all opportunities both within the country and in international instances to protect the rights of journalists and media.
COMMITTEE TO PROTECT FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
YEREVAN PRESS CLUB
MEDIA INITIATIVES CENTER
“ASPAREZ” JOURNALISTS’ CLUB
PUBLIC JOURNALISM CLUB
MEDIA DIVERSITY INSTITUTE-ARMENIA
“JOURNALISTS FOR THE FUTURE” NGO
“JOURNALISTS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS” NGO
GORIS PRESS CLUB
