Two newspaper editors to be prosecuted for disturbing the peace.

Reporters Without Borders condemns the arrest of two newspaper editors Nikol Pashinian of Haykakan Jamanak and Shoger Matevossian of Chorrord Ishkhanutiun –  along with some 10 supporters of former President Levon Ter-Petrosian during an opposition march in Erevan on 23 October.

After being freed the next day, the two journalists learned at a press conference given by the police that they are to be prosecuted under articles 258 and 316 of the criminal code for “disturbing the  peace” and “violence against an official.” The charges carry a maximum sentence of a month in prison and a fine equivalent to 50 times the

minimum monthly wage.
“Journalists should not be the victims of tension between the opposition and the government,” Reporters Without Borders said. “We call on the Armenian authorities to drop the charges and allow journalists, even opposition ones, to do their job of informing the public.”

According to the Yerevan Press Club, the police confiscated the camera of photographer David Jalalian of the newspaper Haik when he went to the police station where the opposition members were being held. The camera was finally returned but some of his photos had been deleted by the police.

 

Part of the purpose of the 23 October march was to distribute leaflets announcing an opposition rally that took place in Erevan on 26 October.