Armenian NGOs declare obstruction of journalistic activity by the police

The Committee to Protect the Freedom of Expression, the Yerevan Press Club, the Institute of Diverse Information and the Helsinki Committee of Armenia have issued a statement condemning the actions of law enforcement officers who violate the rights of journalists and hindering their professional activities, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

The statement was caused by the incident that occurred on February 12 between activists of the "Armenian National Congress" (ANC) and policemen in Mashtots Avenue, when the oppositionists disseminated leaflets with information about the rally scheduled for March 1. Several activists were detained and later charged with disorderly conduct. Along with the activists, journalists were also taken to the police station.

The above statement notes that "the police prevented the professional activities of Ani Gevorgyan, a journalist of the newspaper "The Fourth Power", and the operator Sargis Gevorgyan, by trying to take away their cameras."

The authors of the statement have also appealed to the leaders of the Armenian Police asking to appoint an internal investigation and identify the legality of the actions of the police boss of the Kentron Districts and his subordinates.

Let us remind you that on February 12, Ani Gevorgyan, who was filming the action, reported that young men, who attacked the activists, tried to take away her camera. She added that she exposed to violence at the police station.