“Journalists became victims of violence, mainly during the public gatherings, or protests actions,” Said the Deputy Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Grigoryan. According to him the solution is that the journalists should wear distinctive signs, which is an option accepted in the international practice. Mr. Grigoryan said that the law enforcement representatives of the policemen’s duty is to support the journalists and assist them in carrying out their professional duties, as well as to prevent the actions which may hinder the journalists’ work. Police recently even made a proposal to introduce the institute of accreditation of the journalist covering the issues of demonstrations and protest actions. However the journalists community did not accept this proposal. The Human Rights defender’s office does not consider this option acceptable either. Imposing any additional obligations on journalists should be excluded. Moreover, it is not realistic. It will be better for the journalists if they just look different from the first glance from the other participants of the action,” Mr. Grigoryan said.
Journalists should differ from other Participants of Demonstrations to avoid Violence: Deputy Ombudsman
