Has the Editor of 'Joghvor' Newspaper Been Wiretapped? Human Rights Defender Demands Clarification from SIS

The Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan has requested clarifications from the Special Investigation Service (SIS) regarding an article published by '168.am' on whether the editor of the 'Joghvor' newspaper has been wiretapped. The publication specifically states that, according to the media outlet's sources, the investigative body has obtained transcripts of the journalist's phone conversations in an attempt to uncover the source of the journalist's information. According to the report, the criminal investigation body may also have wiretapped the journalist's phone conversations.

The article also included a response from the Special Investigation Service addressing this issue, stating that the requested information could not be provided based on Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia, which prohibits the disclosure of preliminary investigation data.

The editor of the 'Joghvor' newspaper, Khnar Manukyan, has also approached the Human Rights Defender regarding this matter. Earlier, the Human Rights Defender initiated a discussion procedure concerning testimonies published by the 'Joghvor' newspaper in relation to the events of March 1, prompting a criminal case regarding the disclosure of preliminary investigation data without permission from the investigator or prosecutor.

As a result of the received clarifications, it has currently been noted that this criminal case is being examined under Article 342 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia, which pertains to minor offenses. The unobstructed execution of journalists' professional lawful activities is constantly under the attention of the Human Rights Defender, and any undue interference in such activities will warrant a public response from the Human Rights Defender.