Freedom of speech violated in Armenia in state level: Armenian National Congress

Armenian National Congress issued a statement recently which refers to the situation of the press in Armenia, as well as to freedom of speech.

“The October 22 National Assembly hearings on the Digitalization of TV and Radio Broadcasting and its Consequences proved once again that efforts are made at the state level in Armenia to violate the right to freedom of speech," the statement said.

“With the amendments made to the Republic of Armenia Law on TV and Radio on September 10, 2008, competitions for broadcasting licenses became prohibited in Armenia till July 20, 2010. The Government of the Republic of Armenia justified the initiative by saying that digitalization of broadcasting was being introduced in Armenia," it said in a statement.

“Considering the amendments to the Armenian Law on TV and Radio made in September 2008 to be a means, by which, in essence, TV companies that are outside the governing leaders’ control were deprived of the opportunity to return to broadcasting through [fair] competition, the Armenian National Congress condemns governing leaders’ continuous activities in repressing freedom of the press and freedom of speech."

“ANC demands re-establishment of competition and freedom of press in TV and radio, in accordance with the principles of market relations and freedom of speech, as it is ensured by the obligations Armenia assumes in the international arena. As a first step, it is necessary to undergo an international audit on TV and radio frequency domain as quickly as possible," the statement said.

/Tert.am/