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Former Armenian Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan, who currently runs the Tatoyan Foundation, has denounced efforts to hinder journalistic activities and insults against reporters amid protests against the Armenian government’s territorial concessions to Azerbaijan.

In a statement on Friday, Tatoyan called out the incumbent authorities for lack of transparency in the border demarcation process.

“This is the only way they can remain unaccountable, secretly implement illegal decisions related to the state border and border security and then cover them up with fabricated “legal grounds” in line with their own political interests,” the ex-ombudsman stated.

“Transparency and publicity are key obstacles for them. That’s why the professional work of journalists plays a pivotal role in exposing the government's mistakes in matters concerning the state border and promoting Armenia's security. It is a job that ensures the people’s rights.

“It is unacceptable and reprehensible to obstruct the professional activities of journalists regarding these complicated issues, and even more so to insult them. Reporters are already working in conditions where they are subjected to violence and insults that go unpunished,” reads the statement.