Human Rights Defender: There are cases of targeting journalists and  obstructing their professional activities

ArmInfo.  Cases of persecution of journalists and obstruction of their professional activities in Armenia are alarming, as stated in a congratulatory message of the RA Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan on the occasion of  World Press Freedom Day.

According to the  statement of the Ombudsman's office,  Manasyan  congratulated the representatives of the Armenian media on their  professional holiday. "This day is another opportunity to highlight  the importance of your complex and responsible mission and reaffirm  the exceptional significance of your work in strengthening democracy  and the rule of law.  In the framework of the 2024 Annual Report of  the Human Rights Defender, I have specifically emphasized the  importance of the unhindered activities of representatives of the  media community. In this regard, I find it concerning that there are  cases of targeting of journalists and obstructing their professional  activities. I emphasize that the state must take clear and targeted  steps to create a favorable environment for the proper operation of  the media and fully ensure the safety of journalists. In particular,  it is necessary to develop and implement mechanisms that will  guarantee the free and safe operation of the media, as well as  prevent violations of journalists' rights and ensure the  inevitability of liability in such cases.

At the same time, professional journalistic activity must also be  carried out in accordance with high ethical standards and the  principles of responsible journalism, excluding hate speech and  discrimination in all its manifestations. As the Human Rights  Defender of Armenia, I reaffirm my commitment to do my utmost to  ensure the protection of your free and unhindered work," the  statement says.