Ten Days After the Fire at the Press Building, Nothing Has Been Done: Media Defender

Following the fire at the Press Building, it became clear that electrical wiring had burned, and the elevators have not been operational for a long time. This was reported on the Facebook page of the Media Defender initiative.

"The electricity issue remains unresolved. The media outlets located in the Press Building have found some way to address their power needs, so that the editorial work is not disrupted. The authorities have not yet specified a timeline for restoration, and the media outlets are faced with new challenges every day on how to continue their operations. This reflects a lack of proper attitude from the relevant authorities towards those working in the building," the initiative stated.

Regarding the incident, the Media Defender initiative spoke with Aram Abrahamyan, the chief editor of the Azdarar newspaper, who mentioned that thanks to their efforts, the newspaper and its website are functioning normally. "The website employees primarily work from home, while the newspaper is compiled and printed at our friends’ place," he noted.

Ruben Satyan, the chief editor of Novaya Vremya newspaper, stated that ten days have passed since the incident and nothing has been done. "The restoration works are at a zero stage. I went yesterday, and it is just as it was after the fire," he said.

Satyan also added that he has contacted the relevant authorities. "I have approached Narek Babayan, the head of the State Property Management Committee. I mentioned the extent of property damage, but there has been no response yet. Narek Babayan came, looked around, and that was it. I called the government, but there wasn’t even a press secretary. I have done everything possible," he explained.

The newspaper's chief editor indicated that the building's representative said, "Complain to whoever you want." According to Mr. Satyan, the fire was organized, and their floor suffered the most. "Why would there be a fire on a Saturday when there’s no one in the building? It is a force majeure situation; people are sitting without salaries, the newspaper is not being published, while they are at ease, treating it as a non-working day (referring to the authorities)," he added. He emphasized that in such situations, governments generally try to provide support and compensation; however, there has been no discussion about that whatsoever.

Mr. Satyan was also surprised by the indifference of human rights organizations dealing with press issues towards their newspaper. "For example, the Yerevan Press Club, whose funding could cover not only the fire damage but more. Not a single call. The press writes, but they are indifferent. Well, let them come and support us. They keep talking about a free press... What now? It remains the same as it has been. A free press should not be beholden to anyone. Everything is done to make the press beholden to someone. Now, I am sitting on the third floor, the editorial office is paralyzed, but I am paying for rent and service fees and paying taxes. How so? Now I have to knock on doors and ask for help," he lamented.

Mr. Satyan mentioned that this delay is likely due to the State Property Committee wanting to remove media representatives from the building. He stated that a meeting was held last year with media representatives, which he attended, during which the question was raised about a competition being announced after the contracts expire, and the highest bidder would then work in the Press Building. This issue has sparked heated discussions, after which the State Property Committee, according to Satyan, did not continue the discussion.

The Media Defender initiative has expressed concern over the current situation and is urging the authorities to ensure the uninterrupted operations of the press until the areas affected by the fire are restored, as stated on the initiative's Facebook page.