40 Cases of Forbidden Publications Discovered

As of October 12 at 17:00, measures taken by the subdivisions of the RA Police have resulted in the discovery of 40 cases of forbidden publications. Out of these, 13 cases were attributed to individuals engaged in media activities, while 27 were by those not engaged in such activities. As a result of the administrative proceedings initiated, administrative penalties have already been applied in 9 cases.

Specifically, 7 individuals not involved in media activities were fined 300,000 drams, of whom 2 have not removed their publications, which has led to additional fines of 700,000 drams. Two media websites were also fined 700,000 drams each. Additionally, one of the media outlets did not remove its publication, resulting in another fine of 1,500,000 drams on top of the initial fine.

Efforts are being made to hold other authors of the publications administratively liable.

It should be recalled that the decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia regarding the declaration of martial law establishes several restrictions on publications and communications. In particular, due to ongoing combat operations in the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh, the public dissemination of information regarding the movement of civilians, losses, and damages caused by combat actions, as well as publications, informational materials, interviews, and any related information, will henceforth be conducted solely based on the official information provided by state bodies, fully reflecting this information without editing.

It is prohibited to publish reports that criticize, refute, or undermine the efficiency of the actions (including speeches, publications) of state and local self-government authorities and officials related to the legal regime of martial law and the assurance of state security. It is also prohibited to promote propaganda against the defense capabilities and security of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh, including the dissemination of reports that cast doubt on the defense capabilities of the RA and the AHS.

Violations of these rules by those conducting media activities lead to fines ranging from 700,000 to 1,000,000 drams. In the event that the publication is not removed immediately after the imposition of the administrative penalty, the media entity will be fined between 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 drams. If violations occur again after the imposition of an administrative penalty, the media entity will incur penalties equal to double the previous fine.

Violations by individuals not engaged in media activities will result in fines between 300,000 to 700,000 drams. If they do not remove the publication immediately, they will be fined between 700,000 to 1,000,000 drams. If violations occur again after the imposition of an administrative penalty, they will incur penalties equal to double the previous fine.