Transparency International Anti-corruption Center joined a number of NGOs in their statement of protest against police actions in Yerevan's Liberty Square. It particularly says, "On May 31, 2010, journalist Ani Gevorgyan of "Haykakan Zhamanak" daily was taken to police station and arrested while carrying out her professional duties. A criminal case was opened against her on charges of violence against a representative of authorities based on part 1, Article 316 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia. It remains unclear as to how a 23-year-old female correspondent could have used force against police officer.

On the same day, police also obstructed the professional activities of Syuzanna Poghosyan, another journalist of "Haykakan Zhamanak" daily and Lilit Tadevosyan, "Hayk" newspaper correspondent. They were also taken to police station and were released some hours later.

We, the undersigned organizations, state
-such violent methods against journalists are unacceptable for a democratic society.

We remind
-according to Article 4 of the Republic of Armenia "Law on the Dissemination of Mass Information" "Conducting his/her legitimate professional activities a journalist, as a person performing a social duty shall be protected by the RA legislation."

Part 2 of Article 164 "Hindrance to the legal professional activities of a journalist" of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia envisages sanctions for officials committing such acts.

We demand that RA Police authorities
-immediately release journalist Ani Gevorgyan of "Haykakan Zhamanak" daily
-suspend criminal persecution against her and penalize the police that have exceeded their powers."

Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression
Yerevan Press Club
Internews Media Support NGO
Media Diversity Institute-Armenia
"Asparez" Journalists' Club
Goris Press Club
Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center
Helsinki Committee of Armenia