VIDEO: You Invite Analysts of ‘Besedka’ Level, Leaving No Desire to Watch ‘Public’, Says Opposition MP

“Recently, during one of the political segments of the Public Television’s news broadcasts, they hosted a notorious figure known for spreading fake news online, who allows himself to conduct political analyses. I apologize, but you have invited someone of a ‘besedka’ level of political analyst. Moreover, you made a statement against one of the parties that in essence deserves a judicial lawsuit, and this remained throughout the 25-minute broadcast. As one of the budget approvers, I no longer have the desire to watch Public, even if quality programs are aired there,” stated Lilit Galstyan, a member of the ‘Hayastan’ faction, while urging Ara Shiriqyan, the head of the Public Television and Radio Company, during discussions on the 2024 state budget draft, not to turn Public into a mouthpiece for any particular party, as according to her, some news programs pose a threat to our spiritual health. She cited the airing of Gorr Amatuni as an example.

In response, deputy Sisak Gabrielyan from the ruling party noted that the ruling party’s MPs had not been present on Public in the last two years, but Lilit Galstyan had been seen there: “We don’t even know who Gorr Amatuni is. We always see that HHD MPs are guests on Petros Ghazaryan’s shows. If you say it’s public, it should represent all layers; the person sitting in ‘besedka’ also pays for Public to exist. Perhaps the person is speaking nonsense at a ‘besedka’ level by your standards, but their opinion differs from mine and yours.”

Another ruling party member, Taguhi Ghazaryan, urged to go to court if they see violations. The target of the question, Ara Shiriqyan, responded: “I want to remind you that there is freedom of speech in Armenia, and any citizen, including representatives of political forces, can express their opinion, including on Public Television. I simply don’t understand what you are talking about.”

For further details, see the video.