Freedom House concerned about Armenia’s anti-defamation lawMay 20, 2022 - 17:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - 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. Top stories The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. The situation on the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijan was relatively stable overnight, the Defense Army says. Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has visited the southern Armenian province of Syunik, the Defense Ministry reported on March 18. Partner news | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Russia confirms start of withdrawal of peacekeepers from Karabakh The Kremlin has confirmed reports about the start of the withdrawal of Russian peacekeeping forces in Karabakh. France recalls its ambassador to Azerbaijan France on April 16 said it had recalled for consultations the French ambassador to Azerbaijan. Protesters rally as Georgia debates 'foreign agent' bill Georgian critics label the bill "the Russian law", comparing it to legislation used by the Kremlin to crack down on dissent. |