Journalists to Work Under New Rules in Parliament; Bill Passed

Under the chairmanship of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Alen Simonyan, an extraordinary meeting of the National Assembly Council was held on August 18. The meeting discussed a draft decision authored by Alen Simonyan and MP Sisak Gabrielyan concerning amendments to the decision of December 27, 2017, which established the accreditation procedure for journalists in the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia.

Main speaker Sisak Gabrielyan noted that the proposed amendments aim to regulate journalistic activities in the parliament and to ensure proper coverage of the National Assembly's work.

As a result of the changes, journalists will carry out their professional activities in designated areas within the National Assembly building, specifically in a room located in front of the session hall, in a lounge, and in the National Assembly garden. In the offices of the National Assembly members, journalists will only be able to perform their professional duties with the consent of the MPs.

The project proposed to increase the requirement for internet news outlets to have a maximum of 2,000 daily visits to 5,000; however, the parliament's leadership suggested leaving that point unchanged, which the council members agreed upon.

The decision was passed with a vote of 13 in favor and 4 against.