(Read the full article on Arka.am)

A set of amendments to Armenia’s Criminal Code, approved today by the parliament in the second and final reading, criminalize the obstruction of the legitimate professional activities of journalists, Arka reported.

According to Arka, Deputy Justice Minister Armen Hovhannisyan noted that in this regard that the approved amendments provide for tougher punishment for obstructing the professional legitimate activity of journalists.

He added that the amendments provide also for criminal liability for the same offense committed by a government official.

According to him, these changes will ensure the inevitability of punishment, as well as protection and ensuring the right of journalists to collect and receive information.

An independent MP Taguhi Tovmasyan objected saying that the amendments contain numerous risks against freedom of speech. She claimed that the changes could lead to actions against the media, along with other similar laws that infringe on the rights of journalists and freedom of speech, Arka reported.

However, the deputy minister did not agree with her, noting that she was not familiar with the essence of the changes and in fact, the law is aimed at protecting the interests of journalists.