Former Police Chief Threatens to Run Over and Kill Journalists

A joint statement from journalistic organizations regarding former Police Chief Vladimir Gasparyan’s obstruction and pressure on the reporters of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

On August 8, former Armenian Police Chief Vladimir Gasparyan displayed unruly behavior towards the journalists of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, obstructing their professional activities. The journalists were preparing a report about illegally constructed buildings along the shores of Lake Sevan. Noticing that the reporters were also filming his private residence, Gasparyan reportedly drove his vehicle towards them, threatening to run them over and physically eliminate them, using derogatory terms such as "kill" and "destroy," and then yelled at them to not publish the footage.

During his tenure, Vladimir Gasparyan was notorious for his brazen behavior towards media representatives, at times showing brutality. Reminiscent are the events of 2015 during 'Electric Yerevan' and the incidents in 2016 at Sari Tagh, when over 40 journalists and cameramen became targets of police actions, suffering physical abuses and illegal pursuits. Also noted is the foul insult directed at journalist Syra Siranush Papyan of the news website 1in.am, which sparked clear outrage within the journalism community. All of this went unpunished, and this appears to be the reason why the former police chief continues to exhibit inappropriate behavior towards journalists.

In light of the above, we, the journalistic organizations, demand that law enforcement agencies thoroughly investigate the incident and hold Vladimir Gasparyan accountable in accordance with the law.

Defenders of Freedom of Speech Committee

Media Initiatives Center

Information Freedom Center

Union of Journalists of Armenia