“Haykakan Zhamanak” (ArmTimes) daily belonging to Nikol Pashinyan’s family disseminated an information that Gegham Manukyan, head of Yerkir Media news and political programs and the 5th Channel director Harutyun Harutyunyan, organized the leak of the footage of the Prime Minister’s live message. It is noted in the article that Gegham Manukyan sent the footage to Harutyun Harutyunyan, the director of the 5th Channel belonging to Robert Kocharyan, who, in his turn, organized the leak through one of the fake accounts belonging to Robert Kocharyan’s supporters. Both Harutyunyan and Manukyan responded to the accusations on their Facebook page. For an additional information we contacted Gegham Manukyan who noted: “In short, its stupidity. They are so ignorant that they didn’t even call for a commentary in advance. Unfortunately, this is the kind of journalism they imagine.”
Harutyun Harutyunyan told us that he stated what he wanted to say on his Facebook page and has nothing to add. He has written that he has neither published anything against the representatives of the journalistic community nor has ever filed a lawsuit against them. “I consider the absurdity written by the newspaper belonging to the Prime Minister’s family to be within the scope of the FAS,” he wrote.
“Media Advocate” initiative feels sorry that “Haykakan Zhamanak” violates journalistic ethics, in fact, with such a step it undermines the unity of the journalistic community, setting itself apart of the journalistic community. It should be noted that two days ago, on April 19, the Prime Minister’s live again included messages on splitting the media field. Nikol Pashinyan made anonymous accusations against the media. “Media Advocate” urges to respect the Media Institute and be careful in its relations with the media, as it is the best tool for shaping public opinion. It is the unity of the journalistic community that will give an opportunity to fight against the pressures on the press.
