Media Representatives Say Freedom Of Speech Restricted In Armenia

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SAY FREEDOM OF SPEECH RESTRICTED IN ARMENIA

Panorama.am
17:11 02/08/2007

Several media outlets were discussing freedom of speech in Armenia
today. Many believe pressures are being made to restrict freedom of
speech in Armenia.

Media representatives referred to the example of Jamanak Yerevan
newspaper’s editor-in-cheif Arman Babajanyan’s case and recent
developments connected with RFE/RL.

Armine Ohanyan, who is the editor of Jamanak Yerevan at the moment,
said Babajanyan is politically persecuted. Armenian Helsinki Committee
Head Avetik Ishkhanyan raised concern that after several years we will
speak about closure of other media outlets or striping them of air
in case we forget Liberty and Mir. Ishkhanyan believes the society
and the media community are becoming more tolerant to such facts.

Some of those present suggested taking up "other steps" in addition
to signing a joint statement.