The situation of the
current responsible days in the country requires exceptional efforts from all
of us to ensure solidarity, unity, and respect to each other’s dignity and
speech. It is imperative to exclude any development that leads to tension,
regardless of political and other views.
The monitoring of social networks
shows that comments and posts which spread hatred, insults, calls for violence
and threats, and even incite internal hostility have increased during these
last days.
The number of fake accounts
have drastically increased, and these are the accounts which are the most
aggressive.
Moreover, it is difficult
to distinguish these accounts by non-professional monitoring, as they appear in
connection to a specific situation or a specific publication, and they work in
an organized manner, with clear goals and targets.
The Human Rights Defender
calls on all citizens to refrain from being engaged in such “discussions”, and
not to give in to such provocations. The situation in the country is becoming
more tense through the hatred that is spread through them.
Persons holding any state
or public office are especially obliged to display exemplary behavior of public
solidarity during these responsible days, including during public speech, they
don’t have the right to write posts or comments that include direct or indirect
insults, or which likewise promote hatred and consequently contribute to
tensions.
The role of mass media is
extremely important in this difficult situation.
Therefore, the Defender
requests all media organizations and journalists to pay special attention to
the discussions that take place under publications, and to remove comments and
posts that contain insults, hatred, and calls for violence or threats.
The problem has become so
critical that it is necessary to allocate additional resources to solve it.
Moreover, it is necessary to verify information before making any publication,
to pay more attention to the choice of the title, and to act in an accordance
to the principles of responsible journalism.
Հայերեն
