In a conversation with Armenian News-NEWS.am, the head of the Committee on Protection of Freedom of Expression (CPFE) Ashot Melikyan said that 2012 for the Armenian media was colorful, positive tendencies were noticed, but there is also a lot to do.

Although Ashot Melikyan did not mention any specific figures, he said that 2012 was a relatively quiet in terms of physical violence against journalists. Violence began to decline as early as 2010, and from year to year rate continues to decline. During the past year, there were 4 cases of physical violence against journalists, which coincided with the period of elections - both parliamentary and local government bodies. In terms of legal action against the media the year was also calm. If 2011 was unprecedented in the number of lawsuits against the media (36 claims were submitted), in 2012 this number decreased by several times.

Despite positive developments in 2012, the media in Armenia has not avoided the pressures, threats, and the use of economic tools against the media. According to Ashot Melikyan, the number of violations of the rights to receive and disseminate information has increased.

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/Armenian News-NEWS.am