ArmInfo. Representatives of the Office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia visited the imprisoned owner of the "H2" channel, businessman Samvel Mayrapetyan. The Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan stated this at a press conference on November 16.
He noted that a doctor also visited Mayrapetyan. "Personally, I had a conversation with Mayrapetyan, following the results of this conversation, we demanded law enforcement agencies to respond to a number of questions that the arrest of Mayrapetyan's property threatens the continued existence of the Second Armenian TV Channel.
He also raised the issue of a search in the editorial office of the "Yerevan Today" portal. The Human Rights Defender said that he had also appealed to law enforcement agencies on this matter, and was awaiting clarification in connection with this issue. "In connection with the work of journalists, it is necessary to exercise special vigilance and take all necessary measures so that no one can interfere with their work," Tatoyan said.
To note Samvel Mayrapetyan was charged on the grounds of Article 38-311 of the Criminal Code of Armenia (aiding in bribery). Mayrapetyan was detained on October 6. He does not accept the charges against him. A few days ago, the leaders of some media addressed a letter to the Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called for a change in the measure of restraint against Mayrapetyan. In particular, they noted that the arrest of the property and financial assets of the entrepreneur could lead to the closure of the channel. However, the Prosecutor General's Office of Armenia believes that the accusations of the media and Mayrapetyan's entourage are incomprehensible.