I Know Better Than Anyone the Challenges Media Representatives Might Face: Pashinyan

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan delivered an online speech at the event titled "Media Freedom as a Cornerstone of Democracy" held within the framework of the second Summit for Democracy.

The Prime Minister emphasized: "Excellencies, Dear Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen, Speaking about free media, we value its independence from the state, which sometimes provides information on issues that governments would prefer not to disclose. As a former chief editor and journalist, I know from my own experience the importance of the opportunity to operate free from state interference, as one aspect of our work has been to closely monitor and publicize government activities.

I and my colleagues have faced numerous so-called 'criminal cases' and fabricated convictions aimed at silencing the independent press. Thus, I know better than anyone the challenges and difficulties that media representatives may encounter in their work.

Recognizing the importance of freedom of speech and expression, our government provides all mechanisms for developing free media as an essential part of real democracy. Armenia continuously implements reforms aimed at improving its legislation to ensure a better environment for media and journalists to carry out their professional duties safely and freely.

Last year, Armenia made unprecedented progress in the World Press Freedom Index, improving its position by 12 points and ranking 51st out of 180 countries. According to Freedom House's "Internet Freedom 2022" index, Armenia is classified as free among 70 countries.

In the era of technological advancement, when journalism has moved to online platforms, more efforts and actions are required to protect the rights of stakeholders. It must be acknowledged that new challenges are emerging today for media, speech, and expression freedoms. Fake news has become a real issue for democratic countries. But even this challenge cannot divert us from our purpose. Media and speech freedom are one of the cornerstones of democracy.

We did not impose any restrictions on media freedom or the internet even during the large-scale war unleashed by Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020. In this context, I would like to highlight the safety issues of media professionals. Seizing this opportunity, I would like to pay tribute to several brave media workers who risked their lives in conflict zones around the world.

The rights to free press and expression must always be respected and protected. I want to reiterate that Armenia will continue to fully support and promote international efforts aimed at ensuring free and independent media in the future. Thank you!"

The event titled "Media Freedom as a Cornerstone of Democracy" was organized by the Netherlands, one of the five co-hosting countries of the second Summit for Democracy. Participants include high-ranking officials from various countries, experts on media freedom issues, representatives from civil society, human rights organizations, the journalism sector, the private sector, and emerging journalists. The thematic discussions will address issues related to media freedom and democracy, journalist safety, freedom of speech online, the establishment of free and independent media, and the further development of the sector.