Monday, February 19 2024 19:03

ArmInfo. Representatives of more than two dozen media outlets, including the ArmInfo news agency,  took part in the training on the topic "Slander and insult in media publications: legislative norms, international norms and Armenian practice," organized within the framework of the Armenian media development program.

The training, which took place February 16-18, was organized by the  Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression (CPFE) within the  framework of the USAID-funded media development program for Armenia,  and implemented by Internews and its partners.

The training was conducted by Ara Ghazaryan , a specialist in  international law, a member of the Information Disputes Council and  the Media Ethics Monitoring Body.

USAID Armenia representative Andranik Manukyan and Internews in  Armenia project manager Corina Cepoi welcomed the participants and  emphasized the importance of the topic.

The choice of the course topic was due to the large number of  lawsuits filed against journalists and media outlets in recent years,  the study of which has revealed significant problems and problems in  this area. Over the past two years, 71 lawsuits have been filed  against the media and journalists, 66 of which are based on libel and  insult. Proceedings in these cases often drag on for years and are  accompanied by high financial demands on the media, adding to  financial pressure.

The purpose of the training was to improve the legal knowledge of  journalists in the field of legal norms, international norms and  judicial practice of Armenia, so that they would be more prepared to  face difficulties. The lecturer presented accessible interpretations  of legal norms, conducted interactive games, analyzed practical  issues and discussions.

The budget of the five-year media development program in Armenia,  financed by the US Agency for International Development, is $15  million. The goal of the project is to strengthen the information  field in Armenia by improving journalistic standards and quality of  content, increasing the competitiveness and financial viability of  the media, and creating an environment conducive to the independent  flow of information.