Marc Behrendt, the Director for Europe and Eurasia programs at Freedom House, has said that Armenia has made progress in democracy and human rights, but added that the organziation is concerned about legislation criminalizing defamation, Factor TV reports.

Behrendt told a forum on Armenian democracy in Yerevan on Friday, May 20 that the new law could restrict freedom of expression in the country. He urged the government and the National Assembly to pay attention to criticism on the matter.

The expert also assured that Freedom House will do their best to achieve positive changes in the fight against disinformation in Armenia

Earlier too the organization slammed the new legislation as "controversial", which it said signifies a clear degradation of democratic norms in Armenia, including freedom of expression. Freedom House called on the Armenian authorities to immediately cease enforcement of the law.