Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression records drop in cases of violence against journalists

YEREVAN, JANUARY 27, ARMENPRESS. The Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression of Armenia released its 2022 report regarding the state of freedom of expression in Armenia and violations of the rights of journalists and media outlets.

According to the report, a significant decrease in cases of physical violence against journalists, as well as pressures against media outlets and their employees was recorded.

Particularly, in 2021 there were 18 recorded cases of physical violence against journalists, in 2022 the number is 14. In 2021, the number of recorded cases of pressures against media outlets and media employees was 108, while in 2022 the number was 55.

“2022 was a bit calmer than 2021,” Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression Chairman Ashot Melikyan said at a press conference. “Despite tensions and clashes drastically growing in the second quarter, the remaining quarters were calm. The decrease in violence and pressures is conditioned with this. Although, I’d like to mention that this doesn’t at all mean that in case of an escalation of the situation that wave won’t rise again. Institutionally, when we observe it, we see that by and large the approach of the police hasn’t changed,” Melikyan said.

Negative trends are seen regarding the right to obtain and spread information. In 2022, there were 115 violations of this right, 16 cases more than in 2021. Melikyan said the unnecessary rejection of media requests, unsubstantiated delay in providing information and issuing incomplete or inconsistent replies by state bodies are usually explained by the presence of classified information, which, however, isn’t always substantiated. Melikyan warned that the lack of information, as a rule, only increases the possibility and likelihood of the spread of disinformation.

The committee also expressed concern over the offensive conduct by some officials and law enforcement officers towards journalists.