Sagalaev: Russian Prime Minister gives security assurances to journalist Aslamazyan

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin promised safety to journalist Manana Aslamazyan, Director of the "Internews-Armenia", who had left Russia. This was stated today by Eduard Sagalaev, President of the National Association of Broadcasters, at the awarding Ms Aslamazyan with the "TAFI-2010" Award.

"Until I'm in power, Manana may come and leave Russia, and fear nothing. I am aware of her case; it will be stopped; and let her come," Mr Sagalaev quoted the Prime Minister.

Awarding of Manana Aslamazyan for her personal contribution to development of Russian television was held within the Congress of the National Association of Broadcasters held at the All-Russian Exhibition Centre in Moscow.

At the awards ceremony of "TAFI-2010" in the category "Persons", held on September 25 in St Petersburg, Aslamazyan, which was awarded a special prize, was not named among the laureates. Later, the administration of the Foundation "Russian Television Academy" recognized this error.

Today, Manana Aslamazyan came to the awarding ceremony herself.

Let us remind you that in late January 2007, Manana Aslamazyan, head of the Fund "Educated Media" was detained at customs in Sheremetyevo Airport with undeclared 9550 euros and 5130 roubles. This amount exceeded the equivalent of 10,000 US dollars (265,075 roubles), which may not be declared. A criminal case on smuggling was initiated.

On April 18, 2007, at the Fund "Educated Media", documents and computers were confiscated within the criminal case against Manana Aslamazyan. Then, the Fund was liquidated. The case caused great public resonance.

The "Caucasian Knot" reported that in April 2007 an open letter was sent to Vladimir Putin with a request to interfere, signed by more than 2500 journalists. However, no reply followed.

In April 2007, Manana Aslamazyan left Russia for France and posted an open letter on the website of the Fund "Educated Media", stating that while not knowing what to expect from the authorities she was afraid to stay in Russia. Later, after attacks and persecutions, her advocate Boris Kuznetsov also left Russia.

According to human rights activists and many journalists, Manana Aslamazyan was persecuted for political reasons with the aim to stop the Fund "Educated Media". As explained today to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent by Vladimir Pozner, the Fund taught journalists to principles of real journalism, which were contrary to the principles of Vladimir Putin's authoritarian regime.