The Human Rights
Defender Mr. Arman Tatoyan requested clarifications from the Special
Investigative Service for the purpose of examining the material titled “Was the
“Joghovurd” daily newspaper editor-in-chief wiretapped?”, published in “168․am” mass medium. In particular,
the publication noted that the publishing medium provided information that the
authority conducting the proceeding has obtained the telephone conversation
decryption, thus attempting to discover the journalist’s source of information.
According to the publication, it is possible that the authority conducting
proceedings has also wiretapped the journalist’s telephone conversations.
The answer to the
inquiry addressed to the Special Investigative Service was also published in
the same article: it provides that the requested information cannot be provided
based on the prohibition on publication of preliminary investigation
information under Article 201 of the RA Criminal Procedural Code.
The editor-in-chief
“Joghovurd” daily newspaper Ms. Qnar Manukyan has applied to the Human Rights
Defender regarding the same issue.
Beforehand, the Human
Rights Defender initiated a discussion procedure regarding criminal case
initiated into the publication of preliminary investigation information without
the investigator’s or prosecutor’s permission; the criminal case was initiated
in the Special Investigative Service concerning the testimonies published by
“Joghovurd” daily newspaper within the framework of the discovery of March 1
events.
In the light of the clarifications
received, it is considered, at present, that the criminal case is being
investigated under Article 342 of the RA Criminal Code (minor crime/crime of
little gravity).
The unhindered, lawful
and professional work of journalists is always under the attention of the Human
Rights Defender, and any unlawful interference with those activities will
receive the public response of the Defender.
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