MP Exhibited Hooligan Behavior, Deserving at Least Condemnation from His Colleagues: Journalists’ Union

The Union of Journalists of Armenia has issued a statement condemning the behavior of Hyke Sargsyan, a member of the 'My Step' faction in the National Assembly. The statement reads:

“Yesterday, a distressing incident occurred in the National Assembly between the ruling 'My Step' faction member and journalists, when the government representative Hyke Sargsyan shoved Suzi Badoyan, a journalist from 'Yerevan Today,' and then snatched the microphone from her hand, clearly and maliciously obstructing her professional activity before entering his office.”

The Union of Journalists of Armenia strongly condemns such conduct from the MP, noting that he exhibited hooligan behavior that should have deserved at least the condemnation of his colleagues and other parliamentary factions. Unfortunately, the behavior of MP Hyke Sargsyan did not receive any evaluation.

“Regardless of whether a journalist's question is pleasing or displeasing to any official, they do not have the right to insult, threaten, or push the journalist, thus obstructing their professional activities and the realization of free speech. Furthermore, state officials, including MPs, who are paid from the state budget, are obligated to answer journalists' questions as part of their work. They do not have the right to distinguish between 'insiders' and 'outsiders'; if they disagree with publications, they can always dispute them in court.”

We call for respect for journalists' work. We also appeal to our colleagues. We urge journalists not to fall for provocations, to adhere to the ethics of journalism, and to conduct their professional activities solely within a moral and legal framework.”