Report: Media freedom concerns persist in Armenia despite decline in violations

Armenia recorded eight cases of threats against journalists in the first quarter of 2026, seven of which were attributed to government members, the Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression reported.

The organization documented a total of 30 violations of the rights of media representatives between January and March. These included one case of physical violence, 22 instances of various forms of pressure, and seven violations related to the right to obtain and disseminate information.

Speaking at a press conference, Committee Chairman Ashot Melikyan noted that the overall number of violations across all categories had declined compared to the same period in 2025. However, he characterized the frequency of threats and insults originating from political circles as “deeply concerning.”

“The fact that the overwhelming majority of such cases involve representatives of the authorities is particularly troubling,” Melikyan said.

Legal pressure on the media remains significant. During the reporting period, 14 new lawsuits were filed against journalists and media outlets, all on grounds of defamation and insult. Of these, six were initiated by public officials, two by business representatives, two by journalists, one by an opposition figure, and three by private citizens.

The sole recorded incident of physical violence occurred within the National Assembly, where security personnel forcibly removed a journalist from the parliamentary building under what the committee described as highly contentious justification.

According to a report published March 19 by Freedom House, Armenia has been classified as a “partly free” country for the third consecutive year, receiving a score of 54 out of 100. In terms of internet freedom, the country ranks higher, with a score of 72, placing it among “free” nations in that category.

Despite these indicators, the media landscape remains sharply polarized. The report highlights persistent challenges, including the widespread dissemination of disinformation, fake news, and manipulative content, as well as the prevalence of inflammatory rhetoric and a notable deficit in constructive public discourse.

The committee also warned that the political climate is likely to intensify ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for June.

Many of the recorded conflicts were politically motivated, the report noted. In some cases, journalists were found to have compromised professional ethical standards in favor of political affiliations, while public officials were criticized for failing to uphold principles of integrity and conduct expected of civil servants.