THE GLOBAL CAMPAIGN FOR FREE EXPRESSION ABOUT
Support A1+! The Global Campaign for Free Expression, today expresses
concern over the lack of independence of the Armenian National Commission on Television and Radio. The Campaighn considers that "the Law on Television and Radio Broadcasting, adopted in October 2000, establishes the Commission but fails to ensure its independence, in clear breach of the right to freedom of expression. The President directly appoints all nine members of the Commission.
According to our information, the current Chair was formerly deputy chief of staff for the President while the Vice Chair was the leader of a political party which is part of the parliamentary coalition backing the President".
The Campaign calls on the Armenian authorities "to undertake a full review of the Law on Television and Radio Broadcasting to bring it into line with international standards. Recent decisions by the National Commission on Television and Radio should not be implemented until they have been reviewed by an independent body".
