I Condemn Any Violence: Prime Minister on Pressures Against Journalists

Obstruction of journalists' work and violence against them are condemnable; however, on the other hand, certain circumstances are also not normal. This was stated by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a press conference on January 10.

“It is fundamental for me that the work of no one engaged in lawful activities is obstructed; this is a fundamental issue. On the other hand, there should be a self-regulatory body for journalists that allows them to set specific rules. For example, if someone is dining with a family member somewhere, how much can we make the contents of their mouth and chewing an object of live broadcasting?” Pashinyan stated. “I condemn any violence or obstruction, but I want us not to consider many circumstances as ordinary. There are scenes that seemed very strange to me, such as how a reporter pursued a member of parliament. That is not normal, and people can make mistakes in an emotional state, which is also wrong. However, we need to understand the connection between causes and consequences.”