Epress.am News from Armenia
Freedom House called on the Government of Armenia to grant a broadcasting license to A1+ television station, which has effectively been shut down by the Armenian state since 2002, reads a Dec. 14 statement on the Freedom House website.
On December 16th the Government of Armenia is expected to announce its decision regarding new broadcast licenses after a moratorium on new licenses, instituted in 2008, expired in July of this year. Armenian authorities have denied twelve previous requests by A1+ for the re-issuance of its license, despite a ruling in favor of the independent outlet by the European Court of Human Rights in 2008. A1+’s license was rescinded in 2002, in a move that was widely thought to be due to the outlet’s criticism of the government. In a show of symbolic support for the station, thousands of Armenians have reportedly donated small amounts of money to a fund created to assist A1+.
“A thirteenth denial of A1+’s lawful request for a license would be a slap in the face to advocates of free media everywhere,” said David J. Kramer, Freedom House Executive Director. “The people of Armenia, through their efforts to assist A1+, have clearly shown their support for press freedom. By re-issuing this license, Armenian authorities will answer their call for a more pluralistic and independent media.”
In its 2010 Freedom of the Press index, Freedom House expressed skepticism about a media law Armenia passed in April 2009 impacting the issuance of broadcast licenses, specifically because it afforded too little independence to the National Commission on Television and Radio. The report also points to troublesome legislation passed in August that places further restrictions on journalists through registration requirements. Armenian press is currently considered Not Free by the index.
“Ahead of 2012 parliamentary elections, there is a real opportunity for the Government of Armenia to demonstrate its willingness not only to turn the page in relation to the events of March 2008, but to correct past wrongs from more than two years ago,” Freedom House Senior Program Manager for Eurasia Sam Patten said, adding, “friends of Armenia everywhere would no doubt welcome these two concrete steps in the right direction.”
Armenia is ranked Partly Free in Freedom in the World 2010, Freedom House’s survey of political rights and civil liberties, and Not Free in Freedom of the Press 2010.