RA Public Television denies accusations of Jehovah’s Witnesses

PanARMENIAN.Net - Chairman of the Council of the Armenian Public Television and Radio Company (APTRC) Alexan Harutyunyan refrained from going into details concerning the case initiated against the Public Television of Armenia (PTA) by the Christian religious organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

“I would not like to present details of the case, as it will be discussed in court. In my opinion, the PTA has not committed any errors. I think we will prove it in court,” Harutyunyan told a press conference.

He noted that the criminal investigation initiated with respect to a murder in Sevan town will answer many questions. “The investigation has not ended yet, while the trial on our case has not been launched. I do not think it is expedient to provide additional information,” said Harutyunyan.

He noted that the PTA has not used abusive language towards the Christian religious organization. “We just stated, making a reference to information of NEWS.am agency, that the young man, who killed his parents, is a member of the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses, according to evidences of his neighbors,” said Harutyunyan.

On December 9, 2010, the Christian religious organization of Jehovah's Witnesses submitted a claim against the Public Television of Armenia, as well as journalists Gevorg Altunyan, Sona Torosyan, Nune Alexanyan to the court of general jurisdiction of Kentron and Nork-Marash administrative districts. Specifically, they are accused of “publishing and disseminating wrong information concerning honor and dignity of Jehovah’s Witnesses.”