YEREVAN. – The violations and pressures against journalists and media outlets have increased in Armenia, said Chairman Ashot Melikyan of the Committee for the Protection of Freedom of Speech (CPFS).  

During a press conference on Wednesday, Melikyan presented the CPFS report for April-June, 2013 in Armenia.

“During elections, when the domestic political situation exacerbates, there is an increasing pressure on the media and the journalists. In this respect, the recent [capital city] Yerevan Council of Elders elections were not exception,” he stated, and added:

“Four cases of physical violence against journalists were recorded in the second quarter of 2013, which is one more than last year. The pressures upon the media and their employees reached twenty-one in this quarter, which is eleven more as compared to the same quarter last year.”    

Melikyan further informed that thirteen criminal cases were filed in Armenia against the media during this time frame, which likewise is an increase.   

In addition, CPFS recorded three violations of the right to receive and disseminate information in the second quarter of this year, which, however, is seven less as compared with the second quarter in the year past.   

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am