In Election Year, Armenia’s News Outlets Have to Unite in the Fight for Freedom of Speech: Opinion

A few legislative amendments were made in Armenia in 2011, which impacted the environment of media activities — and not all of these brought about positive changes, according to a new report by the Yerevan-based Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression (CPFE).

According to CPFE President Ashot Melikyan, who presented the findings at a press conference in the capital today, the package of amendments and additions to the RA Law on Television and Radio and the RA Law on Advertising adopted by the National Assembly on May 26, 2011, brought about “regressive change,” as a result of which the ban on product placement (and other such “hidden” advertising) was removed and the amount of advertising permissible per broadcasting hour went up from 10 minutes to 14 minutes.

Such changes only legislated that which was happening before, he said.

With respect to positive change, Melikyan cited the Constitutional Court’s decision regarding RA Human Rights Defender Karen Andreasyan’s appeal not to consider unconstitutional the decriminalization of libel and defamation (Civil Code Article 1087.1).

According to Melikyan, the Constitutional Court’s decision could be a guide for the courts on how to examine libel and defamation suits. In such cases, according to the Constitutional Court, they must study the precedents set forth by the European Court of Human Rights and reduce the amounts awarded as damages.

Another positive change, according to the expert, was the Chamber of Advocates’ decision to define legal fees. “If previously, they went to court demanding 3 million [drams; approx. $7,755 USD] for attorney’s fees, now the Chamber has set these fees at 200–300 thousand drams [approx. $517–775 USD],” he said.

Summing up the changes, Melikyan expressed hope that the current unhealthy climate in the sector will change for the better in 2012.

In his opinion, for this to happen, all news media outlets have to unite, regardless of their differences, since 2012 is an election year and incidents of intimidating news outlets will increase.