Armenia: RFE/RL closure imminent

Wednesday, July 25th, 2007 @ 14:14 UTC

by Ben Paarmann

Countries:
Armenia
Topics:
Freedom of Speech, Media

Following weeks of protests to avoid getting Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty's off air in Armenia, the authorities are now refusing to sign a new contract for the independent news outlet. Onnik Krikorian has the scoop.

2 comments

  • Onnik Krikorian

    Just to point out that RFE/RL will not be closed, but that it’s broadcasts will be restricted if and when they stop broadcasting on Public Radio. Of course, the next thing of concern is whether political pressure is applied through the TV & Radio Committee on those private stations which do increase the number of RFE/RL broadcasts even if they only cover at maximum 60 percent of the country. I think it’s the next logical step the authorities will take and probably through the re-introduction of a notorious bill, which aims to increase the cost of the transmission of foreign programs and which originally failed to pass through lack of quorum in parliament, in the Autumn/Fall.

    # 2007-07-25 at 15:22 pm
    Reply to this
  • Ben

    Thanks for the clarification Onnik.

    # 2007-07-25 at 19:20 pm
    Reply to this

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