YEREVAN, OCTOBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan addressed a congratulatory message on the Armenian Press Day, his Office told Armenpress.

The message says:

“Dear representatives of mass media,

I congratulate you on the occasion of the Armenian Press Day.

Freedom of speech and journalism is one of the fundamental indicators of the country’s democratic development. You are conducting an invaluable job to guarantee the society’s right to get information and promote pluralism. It is mainly thanks to your work that a citizen becomes aware of the work of public bodies and officials representing these bodies. The civilian control towards the state is guaranteed by this way.

For the unhindered fulfillment of your work an atmosphere is needed in the country so that the journalist will feel that he/she is protected by the state from any encroachment against their professional activity. At the same time the exercise of the right to freedom of speech also supposes a responsible journalism. From the perspective of media activity, high professional and dedicated work is such a duty, with the maintenance of famous principles of journalism. Let the main principle of “Do Not Harm” always be a priority in your job as you are carrying out an important public function by contributing to the development of democracy”.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan