Sona Truzyan: Media should provide materials over information on committed crimes
The media and journalists, who published materials containing information regarding the crimes, should provide reasons to the investigation body providing the transmitted information, said spokeswoman Attorney General of Armenia Sona Truzyan, referring to Art. 179 of the RA Criminal Procedure Code.
Panorama.am correspondent inquired how the law enforcement agencies react to information of violations in electoral process and what kinds of procedures are envisaged by the legislation of Armenia. Sona Truzyan reported that monitoring is carried out, and any report about violation is subject to examination.
“Any information regarding violations of the electoral law under the RA Criminal Code, is subject to examination and is sent to relevant investigative authorities in order to prepare materials as soon as possible,” spokeswoman noted.
Sona Truzyan also explained that it is the second day that similar reports are recorded, mainly from news sites.
"Yesterday and today one online resource was particularly active to editorial office of which is sent a written request for showing grounds for the publication of materials proving that " electoral bribes are being distributed everywhere." I would like to note that we addressed to concrete media many times but they refused to provide basis, explaining it by the fact that they have no more proves available,” Sona Truzyan said.
On the question of how such relationships, when the author or the media that publishes materials on committing crimes refuses to cooperate with the investigating authorities, are regulate, Sona Truzyan answered, “I would like to remind the requirements of Art. 179 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia, “Mass media which publicized reports about crimes or sent to the media, as well as the authors of these reports must, at the request of the head of the investigating body, investigator, prosecutor, submit the materials in their possession confirming the report about the crime.” At the moment I can only say that the above-mentioned media refused to do that and didn’t present anything. Besides that the journalist refused to give an explanation. The police also sent letter of inquiries.”