ArmInfo. The editors of News.am made a statement in connection with today's visit to the editorial staff by the police
The statement, in particular, states that during the election campaign, the editors have also posted the live videos by RPA deputy chairman Eduard Sharmazanov, including "They started looking for people who will give evidence against us: Sharmazanov provides names" and "Sharmazanov: RPA supporters are called to police for explanations".
''Representative of the General Department of Criminal Investigation visited the office of NEWS.am on December 7 evening demanding that we should provide the evidence with the proofs of the above mentioned statements.
After the lawyers interfered, the police employee left two notes that mention the publications and contain a request to provide "specific or additional facts proving the above mentioned".Police employee said this was not his last visit to NEWS.am editorial, and he will periodically visit the office demanding similar proofs in connection with various publications. Two police officers from Shengavit police department visited the office after the agency's chief editor posted a relevant message on Facebook. They tried to assure that they were neither aware of who had visited the office, nor they knew the goal of his visit. They assumed that the visitor might not be an employee of police'', the statement noted.
Also the statement reads, that such a visit conducted two days ahead of the election and "the threats" to come back periodically, are nothing but an attempt to influence number one news agency in Armenia and the region and are targeted at interfering with full and comprehensive coverage of the elections.
Such an approach is unacceptable and endangers the freedom of speech in a country that has declared itself a democratic and legitimate state.
Editorial declared that they will continue working in the style we always adhered to, that is we will henceforth continue providing impartial and comprehensive information and will not permit violation of our rights as well as any attempt of direct and indirect pressure.
Later, the RA Police made a statement in which it confirmed the fact of the visit of its employee to the editors of the agency to deliver the message. The lawyers of the editorial board intervened in the case, got acquainted with the document and the management of the editorial office signed a letter.