The Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia from “My Step” faction, member of the NA Standing Committee on Legal Affairs, Suren Grigoryan tried to direct the activities of journalists and restrict freedom of speech at a press conference organized on September 17. “Media Advocate” Initiative considers this move by MP Suren Grigoryan as “another step” to restrict media activity.
Exploring the video, “Media Advocate” initiative finds MP’s such step as unacceptable. At the meeting with the journalists, the key speaker or speakers may make a report prepared in advance, and then journalists should be free to ask questions. This is one of the fundamental principles of freedom of the press and speech. All the questions that may be interesting to the public and journalists can be voiced, and MPs and speakers have a right to refuse to answer the questions.
We urge the MP from “My Step” faction and his colleagues not to attempt to restrict freedom of speech and media activities in general, to remain within the framework of professional discussion and professional ethics. “Media Advocate” will continue to monitor all cases of impediment to freedom of speech and will properly raise awareness of existing issues, if necessary by using legal instruments as well.
