Armenia is tightening control over media space and interference in domestic politics

YEREVAN, April 16. /ARКА/. The National Assembly of Armenia adopted amendments to the Law "On Audiovisual Media" in the second and final reading at its session on Thursday.

According to Armenian High-Tech Industry Minister Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, after the first reading, significant changes were made to the bill, affecting information containing calls for war, as well as provisions related to interference in the country's domestic political life.

According to him, the amendments are aimed at ensuring Armenia's information security, eliminating legislative gaps in the audiovisual media sector, and creating a level playing field.

Hayrapetyan noted that the public multiplex operates on several levels of broadcasting.

"These are 26 television channels that cover 100% of the country's territory and are free for our citizens," the minister said.

He stated that the amendments propose extending the current provisions on public multiplexes to television programs broadcast by network operators.

Furthermore, according to the minister, another amendment will allow the Television and Radio Commission to impose sanctions on telecom operators if they detect clear violations related to interference in Armenia's domestic political life.

"If a case is initiated, the telecom operator must not continue broadcasting the program until a final decision is made. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the telecom operator being held liable," Hayrapetyan explained.-0-