Armenian press union: authorities openly intimidate journalists

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Journalists’ Union of Armenia (JUA) has appealed to international press organizations, warning that the Armenian government has moved to openly intimidate journalists.

According to the Union’s statement, the authorities consistently scapegoat journalists in all situations, fueling public hostility toward them.

“The campaign against journalists that began after Armenia’s 2018 ‘Velvet Revolution’ not only persists but is taking on new forms. The current authorities have clearly adopted a pattern of openly threatening journalists. Recent attacks by ruling party lawmakers, including on social media and affiliated outlets, cannot be interpreted otherwise,” the statement reads.

On April 18, during a National Assembly session, MP Khachatur Sukiasyan from the ruling Civil Contract party directly targeted journalist Narek Kirakosyan from Factor.am , obstructing his work as he attempted to carry out his professional duties.

Lawmakers are expected to respond appropriately to journalists’ questions. Every journalist present in parliament has the right to question any MP. Kirakosyan was exercising this right when Sukiasyan, without hearing the question, lost control, shouted, hit the microphone, waved his phone aggressively, insulted the journalist, and gestured threateningly.

Such behavior is not new but has become more blatant as ruling MPs face no public or legal consequences, emboldening their actions. This climate of impunity fosters new forms of journalist targeting, focusing not only on individuals but also on their professional roles.

Authorities repeatedly portray journalists as responsible parties in various situations, turning them into scapegoats. The statement says this impunity drives further threats and attacks.

The JUA also condemned the behavior of a small, aggressive group during a recent protest near the Artsakh representation in Yerevan. Protesters shouted at journalists, hurled insults, and ordered them to stop covering the event.

“No individual or group engaged in public activity has the right to dictate what journalists report or what questions they ask. Asking questions is the journalist’s right, while answering or not is the protester’s choice. No one may command, insult, or obstruct a journalist at work,” the statement continues.

The Union called on the European and International Federations of Journalists to respond, stressing that Armenia’s parliament—a legislative body—has become a space where journalists face constant insults and threats.

It also urged international partner organizations to raise the issue in their reports and assist in curbing such behavior by government representatives.

“The authorities, who have declared Armenia a ‘bastion of democracy,’ are instead persecuting journalists and media under the guise of democracy and Western values. They suppress free speech and foster hatred toward the press, which is already struggling under harsh conditions imposed by the current administration’s restrictive media laws. The government is using tools typical of authoritarian regimes to prioritize controlled, one-sided propaganda,” the statement declares.

The JUA again called on journalists not to react to provocations, to uphold journalistic ethics, and to work professionally.