In the still tense context of the conflict with neighbouring Azerbaijan, the Armenian authorities remain wary of any questioning of its authority and reputation.

On November 13th, 2001, Boris Navasardian, president of the Erevan Press Club, announced that his organisation was freezing all contacts with the journalists of Azerbaijan following the hostility and "anti-Armenian hysteria" encountered by Armenian journalists over the preceding months in Azerbaijan. Since 1996 the Erevan Press Club and other journalistic organisations have regularly organised exchange trips with Azerbaijan with a view to bringing the public opinion of the two countries closer together.

A journalist killed

On September 14th, 2001, journalist Hovhannes Grjian, editor of the cultural feature of the weekly, Gyumri, was found dead in his flat. The motive of the murder is still unknown but does not appear linked to his professional activities.

Pressure and obstruction

On March 28th, 2001, the Ministry of the Interior seized the facilities of the weekly, Chorrord Ishkhanutium, founded and published by the independent press distribution agency, Ogostos. This liberal newspaper, especially critical of President Kocharian, was investigating allegations of corruption.

On May 16th the tax police carried out an inspection in the offices of the independent press distribution agency, Ogostos, whereas the relevant ministry only ordered this inspection on May 23rd. Agents seized a large number of documents and forced the agency's manager to sign an already written statement.

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