Unacceptable to Halt Media Representative Work from the National Assembly's Hall - Human Rights Defender

The cessation of professional activities of media representatives conducting photography and videography from the National Assembly's (NA) hall by the staff responsible for security is unacceptable, as stated by the Human Rights Defender (HRD) of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan.

Furthermore, several journalists have reported to the HRD’s office that security personnel informed them they would be allowed to perform their professional work within the designated area; however, in the event of incidents in the hall, they must leave the area and are prohibited from covering those incidents—including violence—through photography.

According to the Human Rights Defender, journalists must not be deprived of their rights to receive “first-hand” or “hot” information, including the right to ask questions to deputies, conduct interviews, or obtain comments on-site.

Journalists should not be deprived of the chance to obtain information personally and on-site, even if this means working, for instance, in the corridors.

These regulations directly stem from international law (for example, the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights on the case Mándli and others v. Hungary on October 12, 2020, complaint number 63164/16, as well as positions of the Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner, etc.).

Ensuring the security of the National Assembly holds fundamental importance; nevertheless, restrictions on journalists' work should not be “masked” behind security regulations.

On his Facebook page, HRD Arman Tatoyan stated, “Thus, it is unacceptable to justify restrictions on journalists' work on the grounds of preventing terrorist acts or other serious crimes. It should be considered that this concerns journalists accredited in the NA, who are already subjected to checks by the security service upon entering the NA premises using appropriate equipment. The application of additional restrictions against them under the pretext of security is unacceptable.”

The peculiarities of journalists’ work should arise solely from the need for the proper organization of activities within the NA, but these should not lead to obstacles to journalists' work.

Detailed positions of the Human Rights Defender regarding the restrictions on journalists' work in the NA building have already been published.