Strict Laws for the Internet: Fines to be Imposed

The Liberal Policy Institute, which has never fought visibly for press freedom, is now drafting a bill to restrict the press. This is reported by the daily "Zhoghovurd." The founder of the Liberal Civil Institute is Tat'evik Matinyan, wife of LHK leader and former ambassador with special assignments Edmon Marukyan. Yesterday, in collaboration with the Yerevan Press Club, the LPI organized a public discussion on the regulations of audiovisual media. It should be noted that the discussion was carried out within the framework of a grant program aimed at "Promoting the Development of Transparent and Reliable Media in Armenia." The goal of the LPI is to develop a legislative package as a result of the discussion.

It became clear from the discussion that the Liberal Policy Institute, which has barely any connection to journalism and the media, is attempting to develop a legislative reform package funded by the grant, which, under the guise of combating hate speech, will actually impose serious restrictions on freedom of speech online. However, the packaging is certainly appealing. The institute intends to monitor manifestations of hate speech in Armenian media, and in the case of violations, it plans to impose fines, although the exact amount is yet to be determined.

In cases of repeated violations, the penalty could even involve halting the operation of the media outlet. But how this will be monitored is something even they are unsure about. For example, PerfectTV or other types of YouTube channels, whose addresses and owners are unknown, are unlikely to face restrictions, as they cannot be located, while diligent media outlets that have an editorial office and accountability will be monitored and fined.

The assessment of the manifestation of hate speech is also unclear, as is how the dissemination of content suggesting hate speech during live broadcasts of rallies will be regulated. An interesting point to note is that the institute, which conducted a several dozen-page analysis studying international practices, had not considered the existing package of proposals concerning the "anti-discrimination" laws, which involves changes to 12 laws and already includes a clause on combating hate speech.

Representatives of the institute were unfortunately unaware of the existing package of laws and tried to justify themselves by saying that it would be studied during the drafting phase. While it was mentioned that international practices were taken into account, local media outlets are not involved in this process. There is a total indifference. To summarize, this project will serve as a tool in the hands of the National Commission for Television and Radio, which currently oversees the multiplex television channels in Armenia.

After the adoption of this bill, the NCTR will selectively impose penalties for publications criticizing the government. Online media and YouTube channels will also be subject to monitoring and constant oversight. Let us recall again that the real beneficiary of the Liberal Policy Institute NGO, according to the State Register of Legal Entities of Armenia, is Tat'evik Matinyan, wife of former special assignments ambassador Edmon Marukyan. In 2023, she was appointed director of the Armenian Center for Arbitration and Mediation.

It is worth noting that none of the entities has any connection to journalism and media.