OSCE Representative reiterates call on Armenia authorities to ensure journalists’ safety

VIENNA, 26 April 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today again expressed concern over journalists’ safety in Armenia following recent coercive actions by police against media representatives in Yerevan.

According to reports, during a public demonstration on 22 April police accosted and attempted to detain Narek Barsegyan and Sevak Sogomonyan, journalists with the 1in.am news website, and damaged their equipment.

“I reiterate my call on the authorities to ensure journalists’ rights to safe reporting at all times,” Mijatović said. “The use of violence against the media, especially by law enforcement representatives, is unacceptable.”

Mijatović also noted that the results of an investigation regarding attacks on journalists in June 2015 have not been disclosed. (//www.osce.org/fom/166106).

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.