Crackdown on independent media continues in Armenia, editor says

Astghik Matevosyan, the editor of the Armenian news outlet AntiFake.am, claims pressure on independent media and free speech in the country is intensifying, following the arrest of Imnemnimi podcast co-hosts Vazgen Saghatelyan and Narek Samsonyan and the seizure of the outlet’s equipment.

Narek Samsonyan, who is also the founder of AntiFake.am, and Vazgen Saghatelyan have been held in custody for nine days now, while the newsroom’s equipment has remained confiscated for the same period.

“After a three-day suspension of our work, we have partially resumed operations thanks to the support of our followers and newly acquired equipment,” Matevosyan wrote on Facebook on Friday. “But crackdown on free speech and independent media continues in Armenia and we are currently at its direct target. This too shall pass, because a compressed spring eventually bursts. Speaking out about this injustice will help bring that day closer.”

The podcasters were arrested on 13 November, when masked officers of Armenia’s National Security Service carried out early-morning searches at their homes.

On 14 November, a court ordered two-month pretrial detention for them. The two men have been charged with hooliganism. According to officials, the investigation was launched based on a complaint filed by National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan.

Experts and supporters of Samsonyan and Saghatelyan claim the charges are politically motivated.