According to preliminary data of “Media Advocate” initiative, the attack on office of the French-language Nouvelles d’Arménie magazine in Paris was carried out by a Turkish group. Freedom of speech is an important precondition for human rights and media activity, and any harassment against it should be strongly condemned. It is particularly strange that the attack on the Armenian media took place in the capital of one of the most democratic states in the world, Paris.
We welcome the fact that the Armenian Embassy in France has condemned the case. At the same time, it is surprising that the state authorities do not condemn attacks on media outlets in Armenia (the latest example is the attack on Hayeli (“Mirror”) Press Club), while they quickly respond to the attack on Nouvelles d’Arménie in France. Considering the fact that Nouvelles d’Arménie has been an active supporter of change of power in Armenia, there is an impression that the Armenian authorities once again divide the media into ours and theirs (insiders and outsiders), which can not help worrying those who consider freedom of speech and press as an important cornerstone of democracy.
“Media Advocate” urges the French authorities to investigate the attack on Nouvelles d’Arménie as soon as possible in order to punish the perpetrators and to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the magazine. Considering the fact that, according to preliminary data, the attack was carried out by a Turkish group, our team is trying to contact the French Embassy in Armenia as well as with the international media organizations to keep the condemnation of the incident in the spotlight of the international community.
