Representatives of journalistic and public organizations were again angered by the violent attack on a famous journalist and presenter Nver Mnatsakanyan, who anchors a popular prime-time talk show on Shant TV. The attack is believed to be linked to his professional activity, as Mnatsakanyan does not pursue any other.

On May 6, at around midnight, after another series of the “Herankar” (“Perspective”) program on Shant TV ended, Mnatsakanyan was attacked and beaten by two unknown people on his way home in front of entrance # 1 of 20/3 building on Margaryan Street in Yerevan.

The assailants reportedly fled, seeing the neighbors who stepped out to the yard when they heard the noise. Emergency doctors took Mnatsakanyan to the “Armenia” medical center. The medical examination revealed that the TV presenter sustained slight bodily injuries. He was provided with medical assistance at the medical center and went home.

This has been the second attack on a reporter in Armenia in the past few days. Each case of violence against journalists in particular is severely condemned by the Armenian Ombudsman. “But nothing changes,” says the head of the Ombudsman’s Office department of information and public relations Grigori Grigoryants.

Up to now no crimes against journalists have been disclosed as a result of police investigations.

This time again “a forensic examination was appointed, investigation is being carried out,” the police press service says.

Ombudsman Armen Harutyunyan is concerned over the fact that as a result of the investigation no cases have been disclosed yet.

“Today there is a threat that it might turn into a part and parcel of our daily lives, which, in its turn, is a serious threat to pluralism of opinions and creates an atmosphere of fear,” says Grigoryants.

“Shant TV abstains from making comments as yet not to hinder the police investigation process,” the statement published by the TV Company says.

It is noteworthy that on these days – on May 8-9 – on the initiative of the Council of Europe, the European Union and the Armenian Helsinki Committee, a workshop on “Mass media and the police relationship” will be held with the participation of Heads of 16 subdivisions of Armenian police.

Within the framework of the topic “The police, society and mass media,” Colonel Sayat Shirinyan, Head of Police’s Public Relations department, will present the official viewpoint of the police to the workshop participants.