Armenian Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan marked Armenian Press Day by stressing the need to take steps to promote the safe activities of journalists and create a favorable environment for unhindered and normal work to ensure the freedom of the press.

October 16, previously called Day of the Press Worker, was renamed Armenian Press Day in 2004 to commemorate the publication of the periodical Azdarar in the Indian city of Madras on this very day in 1794.

Azdarar was also the first non-English newspaper published in India. The monthly lasted until March 1796.

Manasyan, in a statement, called on members of the press to engage in “responsible journalism”.