Cases of violence against journalists and interference in and obstruction of their work decreased in 2009 as compared to the previous year, which was a “more aggressive” year in that respect, according to a local watchdog’s report.

The 2009 report “On Violations of the Rights of Journalists and Mass Media in Armenia” presented by the Committee for the Protection of Freedom of Speech says that 11 cases of violence against journalists took place during 2009, while 18 cases were registered in 2008. A total of 14 cases of economic, legal or political pressure were registered in 2009 (against 16 in 2008), the right to get and disseminate information was violated 13 times (against 14 in 2008).

“In this sense, we indeed repeat what we say every year – when the political situation becomes more acute, the violations against journalists and mass media also increase and become stronger,” says the Committee chairman Ashot Melikyan.

Melikyan does not consider that the decrease in numbers in certain cases over 2008 testifies to a good situation.

“If we consider that in terms of political developments 2009 was a relatively calm year, then the situation with violations against media and journalists is again very alarming,” says Melikyan.

Expert of the Committee for the Protection of Freedom of Speech Mesrop Harutyunyan presents the cases mentioned in the report according to their definitions – physical violence, indirect interference, hidden censorship and restrictions of freedom of information.

Harutyunyan, in particular, reminds the beatings of photo journalist Gagik Shamshyan in March last year, the beating of Armenia Today coordinator Argishti Kiviryan in April and the attack on Shant TV anchor Never Mnatsakanyan.

Speaking about non-physical obstructions, Harutyunyan mentioned the court decision regarding the suspension of the pro-opposition Chorrord Ishkhanutyun daily.

“No matter in what way it was done, all the same, we consider that the court made an unlawful decision,” said the expert, referring to Armenia’s legislation.

And Melikyan finds it remarkable that last year stood out by the number of litigations against journalists and media. He adds, though, that the positive side of it is that people begin to solve their problems in courts and not “with the use of truncheons”.

“But since our judicial system now is that you cannot always achieve justice, the richer and more influential wins very often, this does not allow us to be optimistic about the future yet,” says Melikyan.