Alexanyan Must Apologize for Offensive Remarks, Journalistic Organizations State

We, the undersigned journalistic organizations, strongly condemn the behavior and language of the ruling party's representative, which not only does not correspond to the status of a member of parliament and the ethical norms related to it but also raises distrust towards a political figure who is supposed to engage in law-making, including addressing issues of insults and hatred, as well as establishing responsibility for their dissemination. This is stated in a statement released by several journalistic organizations, which particularly mentions:

“Yesterday, on January 20, during the regular session of the National Assembly, MP Vahagn Alexanyan from the ‘Civil Contract’ faction referred to journalists working for television channels and online platforms associated with political forces as ‘verbal prostitutes.’ In fact, while accusing them of spreading insults and hatred, the MP himself used such words, repeating them multiple times in his speech and reaffirming them also in the session on January 21.”

We, the undersigned journalistic organizations, strongly condemn the behavior and language of the ruling party's representative, which not only does not correspond to the status of a member of parliament and the ethical norms related to it but also raises distrust towards a political figure who is supposed to engage in law-making, including addressing issues of insults and hatred and establishing responsibility for their dissemination.

Critically assessing the current state of Armenian television broadcasting, we note that the government has failed to realize its intention to ‘clean up’ the media over the past three years. No legislative changes or practical regulatory measures have been utilized for sector reforms. Instead, various representatives of the ruling party do not miss the opportunity to boast and hurl insults at private television companies. Although many of these outlets indeed serve various political interests, this does not mean that instead of regulating the field, those in power should direct insulting words towards representatives of the broadcasting media.

We note that so far, no member of the ‘Civil Contract’ party has criticized or at least expressed disagreement and regret over their party colleague’s irresponsible remarks. This is yet another alarming precedent that could deepen societal division, intolerance, and insults.

Considering the above, we demand:

• From the National Assembly - to take immediate steps to form a temporary ethics committee to address the behavior of MP Vahagn Alexanyan and make corresponding decisions;
• From the ‘Civil Contract’ party - to publicly express a position and evaluate Vahagn Alexanyan’s offensive remarks directed at journalists. The absence of such an evaluation will be considered as silent consent from this political force and encouragement of such rhetoric;
• From Vahagn Alexanyan - to apologize to the journalistic community for his indecent and offensive statement and ensure that it will not be repeated in the future.