We, the undersigned citizens, and organizations, strongly condemn the recently unfolding campaign of hatred and threats against journalist, researcher, head of the “ANI Foundation for Armenian Studies” Tatul Hakobyan and his activities.
The freedom of expression, respect for human dignity, the inviolability of the lawful activities of a journalist are among the pillars of democracy. The protection of those rights and other human rights is enshrined in the Constitution of the RA and other laws, therefore, the state is obliged to ensure their proper realization and protection. The expression of opinions and ideas, the debate and the search for solutions to problems in no way shall be hindered by violence, hate speech, death threat or any other unlawful act. Moreover, impeding or disrupting public debate through violence or threats of violence does not address the issues of the debate.
We call on the authorities of the Republic of Armenia, in a manner prescribed by law, to examine the statement of journalist and public figure Tatul Hakobyan on the death threats, to identify and subject to liability the organizers and implementers of that campaign within the scope of law.
This statement is open for joining. For joining, please, write to the following email address: [email protected]
- Open Society Foundations – Armenia
- Transparency International Anticorruption Center
- Women’s Support Center
- “For Equal Rights” Educational Center
- “Article 3” Club
- “Asparez” Journalists Club
- Law development and Protection Foundation
- Public Journalism Club
- Women’s Resource Center
- Helsinki Citizens Assembly – Vanadzor
- “Against Discrimination and for Equality” Coalition
- “Protection of Rights without Borders” NGO
- “Union of Informed Citizens’ NGO
- “Investigative Journalists” NGO
- Analytical Centre on Globalization and Regional Cooperation
- Aliq Media Armenia
- “Armenian Progressive Youth” NGO
- Center for Community Mobilization and Support NGO
- “Pink” NGO
- Peace Dialogue NGO
- Center for Policy Studies
- Civil Youth Centre NGO
- “Progress of Gyumri” NGO – Civil Society Development Center
- “EcoLur” Informational NGO
- “Cinemart” Youth NGO
- Coalition to Stop Violence against Women
- Levon Barseghyan
- Davit Melik-Nubaryan
- Gayane Terzyan