Armenian journalists learn about freedom of expression at OSCE-supported workshop

YEREVAN, 16 June 2011 –– International standards and judicial practice with respect to freedom of expression, libel and insult, contempt of court and privacy issues are among the topics of a two-day training workshop that started in Yerevan today.

The event is organized by the Europe in Law Association (ELA), a local non-governmental organization, together with ARTICLE 19 (UK) with the support of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, the US Embassy in Armenia and USAID-funded Counterpart International Armenia.

The workshop aims to build the knowledge and capacity of some 20 Armenian journalists from electronic and print media, enhance the quality of their journalistic work and equip them with the essential legal expertise to be able to protect their right to freedom of expression in Armenian and international court proceedings.

“This training course is very timely in the context of the recent freedom of expression-related cases against journalists in Armenia. We hope the workshop will help to reduce defamation and libel cases in Armenia and will contribute to higher journalistic standards,” said Carel Hofstra, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

Local and international experts also discussed broadcasting regulations and the interplay between the rights to freedom of expression and privacy and a fair trial, both in Armenia and other countries.

“This training workshop offers a forum for lawyers and journalists to discuss how they can work together to strengthen media freedom in Armenia. Journalists and lawyers need to work together to ensure that OSCE media standards are respected,” said Boyko Boev, a Senior Legal Officer at ARTICLE 19.

“This workshop is the first in a series, to be followed by similar training events for Armenian lawyers and judges. In addition to this initiative, we envisage launching a website later in the year featuring the most relevant case law and international instruments, which would also provide online legal advice to interested parties,” added Lousine Hakobyan, the Chairperson of the Europe in Law Association.