Dean of YSU Faculty of Physics Threatens Free Speech and Free Media Activity: “Media Advocate” Initiative

Rafik Hakobyan, Dean of the Faculty of Physics at Yerevan State University, publicly calls for “cleansing of the judicial system” and then “cleansing of the fourth estate.” We draw the attention of the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, the Chairman of YSU Board of Trustees and the Acting Rector of YSU to the fact that the Dean of YSU Faculty of Physics is publicly engaged in political propaganda going beyond the limits of academic freedom and obscenity

Particularly alarming is the fact that the person holding the position of a dean of the State Academic Institution publicly expresses improper thoughts on free speech and media activity and expresses calls typical of Bolsheviks and German National Socialists of 1930s.

“Media Advocate” Initiative demands from ESCS Minister Arayik Harutyunyan, Chairman of YSU Board of Trustees Gevorg Muradyan and YSU Acting Rector Gegham Gevorgyan to conduct an explanatory work with the Dean of the Faculty of Physics so as to exclude such kind of calls against free speech and free media activity in future.

“Media Advocate” Initiative states that it will thoroughly monitor attempts to politicize higher education institutions and those cases of impediment of media activity and will inform the public and international organizations about the process.