Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly-Vanadzor

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: info@osi.am

1. Open Society Foundations – Armenia

2. Transparency International Anticorruption Center

3. Women’s Support Center

4. “For Equal Rights” Educational Center

5. “Article 3” Club

6. “Asparez” Journalists Club

7. Law development and Protection Foundation

8. Public Journalism Club

9. Women’s Resource Center

10. Helsinki Citizens Assembly – Vanadzor

11. “Against Discrimination and for Equality” Coalition

12. “Protection of Rights without Borders” NGO

13. “Union of Informed Citizens’ NGO

14. “Investigative Journalists” NGO

15. Analytical Centre on Globalization and Regional Cooperation

16. Aliq Media Armenia

17. “Armenian Progressive Youth” NGO

18. Center for Community Mobilization and Support NGO

19. “Pink” NGO

20. Peace Dialogue NGO

21. Center for Policy Studies

22. Levon Barseghyan

23. Davit Melik-Nubaryan