The RA Health Minister Arsen Torosyan posted a response on his official Facebook page in regard to the “Healthcare 2019” video aired on ARMNEWS television on January 6. By responding to the factual information presented by the TV channel, the minister touched upon speculative remarks having no relation to the topic.
“Media Advocate” Initiative urges the RA Minister of Health to stay within the limits of political and professional correctness and to avoid the vicious practice of communicating with the media by using the language of insults. In accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Armenia, a state official may demand form the media to deny or submit his or her opinion on the material published.
In case of failure, the Minister may deny or present his or her opinion through the court. Whereas Minister Torosyan has chosen an unacceptable way of dealing with the media, as if trying to divert public attention from the factual data and viewpoints by the media to a field of unrelated talk. If the Minister of Health has nothing to say about the factual data presented by the media outlet, he may state without hesitation that he has nothing to do but to divert public attention as he has no material to deny or contradict or he does not control the situation.
“Media Advocate” also urges ARMNEWS TV to refrain from provocations having no relation to Minister Torosyan’s case and to continue to cover issues of public importance while maintaining the principle of multilateralism and impartiality. “Media Advocate” Initiative, using the full set of tools deriving from the RA legislation and international legal obligations assumed by the RA, will protect the right of the media to operate freely, unobstructed and unbending in Armenia. Following the development of cases, “Media Advocate” will also appeal to the international media community and international organizations concerned if necessary.
