International Press Institute calls on Armenian authorities to investigate violence against journalists during protests

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YEREVAN, 18 June. /ARKA/. The global network International Press Institute expresses serious concern over the injury of more than 10 Armenian journalists on 12 June while covering protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.nbsp; nbsp;/pp

The organisation has called on the Armenian authorities to immediately and thoroughly investigate these incidents, as well as to ensure a safe working environment for all media professionals./pp

On 12 June 2024, clashes took place in front of the Armenian Parliament between police and protesters opposing the deal on border demarcation with Azerbaijan and demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. At that time, Pashinyan was due to address parliament. Security forces reportedly used stun grenades after protesters tried to storm the parliament building and unblock police barricades, throwing stones and bottles at police. At least 10 journalists and cameramen were injured during the clashes and dispersal, the statement said./pp

The statement said Abc.am journalists were among those injured. ABC journalist Naneh Hayrapetyan said their staff were injured. Nane Hayrapetyan and cameraman Arman Gharibyan were injured during the clashes, while journalist Aghvan Asoyan and cameraman Edik Malakyan were wounded when flash-bang grenades were used./pp

Vazgen Yetumyan, a cameraman for News.am broke his leg, while two other cameramen Narek Hayriyan of Civilnet and Hovsep Hovsepyan of Armlur.am, and Mediahub.am journalist Nare Gevorgyan were also injured./pp

Nine Armenian press freedom organisations, including the Yerevan Press Club and the Committee for the Protection of Freedom of Expression (CPFE) issued a joint statement condemning the actions of law enforcement, describing them as 'use of excessive force' and demanding that those who indiscriminately targeted accredited journalists or damaged their equipment be brought to justice, the report said./pp

IPI deputy director Scott Griffen said authorities should immediately conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the events of 12 June./pp

Regardless of the nature of the protests, any use of disproportionate force or violence against journalists doing their jobs is unacceptable. Anyone responsible for the use of disproportionate force must be held accountable, Griffen said.nbsp;nbsp;/pp

Armenia's road to democracy has been a 'bumpy' one, but in recent years the country's press freedom situation has improved significantly. Media reforms and the decriminalisation of serious insults represent some positive steps. However, the media remains highly polarised and access to information is often restricted, the report said.- 0-/pp/p