Journalistic Organizations Demand the Prosecutor's Office to Reveal Those Threatening Tatul Hakobyan

Eleven journalistic organizations have issued a statement saying: “Journalist Tatul Hakobyan, who is currently in the U.S. on a work trip, reported on December 8 that he has received threats calling for revenge, even demands for his life. According to him, this campaign is directed from both Armenia and certain circles of the Armenian community in the U.S. The threats are allegedly prompted by his recent public statement: ‘Armenia is where the Armenian soldier stands.’

The journalist has particularly drawn the attention of law enforcement agencies, journalistic organizations, the Human Rights Defender, and the U.S. Embassy in Armenia to this incident. He has promised to provide names and evidence regarding the campaign against him upon his return to Armenia. Currently, he is under the protection of U.S. police forces.

This situation once again indicates that there is no cultured debate culture in political circles or society regarding issues, and the extreme intolerance towards dissent has intensified since the 44-day war over Artsakh. Regardless of whether one agrees with Tatul Hakobyan's thoughts and analyses, he is one of the best representatives of Armenian journalism, having deeply studied and courageously covered the Artsakh issue, including from the frontlines of military operations.

As a journalist, analyst, and citizen, he has the right to express his opinion freely, and directing threats and calls for violence against him or any individual is a criminal offense. We, the undersigned organizations, strongly condemn the unacceptable campaign against Tatul Hakobyan and express our solidarity with our colleague.

Regarding this incident, we demand from:

• The Prosecutor's Office of Armenia: Immediate actions to reveal and hold accountable those carrying out these threats and their instigators, especially since the journalist is ready to provide specific names.
• The Police: Ensure Tatul Hakobyan's safety upon his arrival in Armenia.

We call on the journalistic community to show solidarity and support Tatul Hakobyan in resisting these condemnable actions against him.