[hr-media] Armenia: Violence and intimidation against journalists

YEREVAN, 12 September 2006 -- The OSCE Office in Yerevan issued the
following statement today:

"The OSCE Office in Yerevan is deeply concerned over recent incidents of
violence and intimidation against local journalists which have obstructed
their professional duties and infringed upon the freedom of expression.

According to reports, on 6 September, the Editor-in-Chief of Iravunk
newspaper, Hovhannes Galajyan, was attacked and beaten by unknown men
outside his Yerevan home. On 12 July, freelance journalist Gagik
Shamshian, who works for Chorrord Ishkhanutiun and Aravot newspapers, was
threatened and abused.

The Office considers it extremely important for these cases to be properly
investigated and calls for the perpetrators to be punished in full
accordance with the law. Law-enforcement bodies are urged to undertake
prompt measures to ensure the safety of media professionals in order to
promote freedom of expression in the country.

The Office welcomes the statements by the Human Rights Defender
(Ombudsman), the President's Press Secretary and civil society
organizations, who condemned these acts of violence against journalists.

The OSCE Office in Yerevan will be closely following developments related
to these cases."

OSCE Press release