We Discussed Drafts Prohibiting References to Anonymous Sources with Media Experts: Tatoyan

We have discussed drafts that propose a ban on references to anonymous sources with media experts. These drafts, in their current form, cannot be accepted. This was reported by the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan.

“If the drafts are approved in their current version, the issue of combating false or misleading information will not be resolved. On the contrary, the drafts contain episodic solutions that could create additional problems for the media sector and, in general, in terms of protecting the fundamental value of freedom of speech from a systemic perspective.

The justification for the draft package is inadequate. It does not express a strategy for solving real issues, the proposed solutions are not presented in terms of international experience and standards, and practical issues, as well as the reasons for choosing the proposed model and how it will address existing problems, have not been discussed.

The drafts have not been adequately discussed with experts, and they have not been sent to the Human Rights Defender for feedback. The proposed fines in the Administrative Offenses Code are disproportionate, do not allow for individual approaches, and are fixed amounts that could lead to disproportionate interference in the activities of journalists.

Participants in the discussion unanimously concluded that the controversial regulations in the drafts should be withdrawn from circulation due to their unacceptable nature. According to the results of the discussion in the Human Rights Defender’s office, the Defender will summarize his official opinion, considering the outcomes of the discussion, and will present it to the National Assembly,” Tatoyan wrote.