Police Clarifies New Restrictions Imposed

According to the government's decision on "Declaring a State of Emergency in the Republic of Armenia," several restrictions have been established regarding the publication and dissemination of information. In particular, due to the ongoing combat operations in the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh, the public distribution and transmission of reports concerning the movement of civilians (groups), losses and damages caused by combat operations, as well as publications, informational materials, interviews, and other related information, will henceforth be conducted solely through official information provided by state bodies, reflecting the official information in its entirety (without editing).

It is prohibited to publish reports that criticize, deny, or otherwise undermine the effectiveness of the actions of state and local self-government bodies and officials related to the legal regime of the state of emergency and ensuring state security (including speeches, publications). Propaganda directed against the defense and security of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh is also prohibited, including the publication of reports that undermine the defense capabilities of the RA and the AR.

The monitoring of compliance with these rules will be carried out by the Police of the Republic of Armenia. The police is authorized to take necessary measures to ensure the removal of published reports and information, including temporarily seizing or confiscating printing devices, radio broadcasting, sound amplification technical means, and duplicating equipment.

It should be added that the above restrictions do not apply to reports made by public officials or links to their reports.

We call upon representatives of mass media, electronic websites, and our citizens using social networks to unconditionally fulfill the requirements of this decision, which will contribute to enhancing the defense capabilities of our republics and the effectiveness of combat operations, and to ensuring the security of our soldiers and officers fighting on the front line, as well as our compatriots supporting them from the rear.