The Human Rights Defender emphasizes that the unhindered
professional work of journalists is of exceptional importance from the point of
view of the proper exercise of the right to receive information and freedom of
expression.
Moreover, the unhindered work of journalists is important
not only from the point of view of protecting the rights of specific
individuals, but it is of great public importance. The mass media must have a
favourable environment for carrying out their activities. In this regard, it is
crucial for state bodies and officials, as bearers of public authority, to take
active steps to create such an environment. Moreover, officials should take
into account that journalists’ questions may often be sharp—yet permissible, as
long as they do not contradict the legitimate boundaries of freedom of speech.
The Human Rights Defender considers it concerning that
there are frequent cases of officials not taking the above-mentioned standards
into account, which has a negative impact on the favourable environment for the
activities of journalists and on ensuring their unhindered professional
activities.
As a general issue in the field, the Defender also
considers it problematic that, due to the absence of proper domestic
mechanisms, every incident between a public official and a journalist is
followed by mutual accusations regarding the observance of ethical norms.
The Human Rights Defender emphasizes that it is the
state’s obligation to develop and implement appropriate mechanisms for
discussing issues related to the ethics of both officials and journalists,
which are either absent or not properly implemented in the Republic of Armenia.
The Defender once again emphasizes that both proper
communication by officials with journalists and the observance of the
principles of “responsible journalism” (in terms of independence, journalistic
ethics, accuracy of the information presented, neutrality, accountability, and
other relevant principles) are of exceptional importance for ensuring citizens’
right to access information and freedom of expression.
There are numerous problems in the field and competent
actors must make serious efforts to overcome them.
Հայերեն
