Speaker of the National Assembly Hosted Representatives of Journalistic Organizations

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Alen Simonyan, received As Hot Melikyan, President of the Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression, Nune Sarksyan, Director of the Media Initiatives Center, and Levon Barseghyan, President of the Journalists' Araqatsayk Club.

The meeting was held at the initiative of organizations engaged in the protection of journalists' rights. The discussion focused on the norms regarding journalists' movement within the premises of the National Assembly, which was amended on July 30. According to the new regulations, accredited journalists are prohibited from conducting professional activities in specially controlled zones of the National Assembly. This regulation aligns with the logic of the constitutional law on the "Regulations of the National Assembly." Specifically, the restrictions pertain to corridors leading to the offices of MPs and staff of the National Assembly.

In response to concerns that these regulations could hinder journalists' professional activities, Speaker Alen Simonyan stated that the nature of these rules is entirely based on security norms. He added that efforts are currently underway to create a more favorable environment for journalists’ activities within the National Assembly, citing the commitment to ensure appropriate speakers are available for any informational occasion as an example.

Simonyan informed that during a recent meeting with journalists, he had expressed his commitment to hold press briefings every month.