On July 29th of this year “Hetq” reporters visited the village of Geghamabak in the Gegharkunik Marz to gather information on the activities of the local Municipality. The reporters encountered a group of individuals, lead by Viktor Barseghyan, the village Mayor’s father. Using physical force and intimidation the group began to impede the work of the journalists who were literally forced to leave the scene. The group then proceeded to hurl stones at the car, with the reporters inside, as it drove away. (See: The Village of Geghamabak Serves as the Mayor’s Private Farm)

On October 10, 2008, the Vardenis Police started a criminal case against Viktor Barseghyan and the others involved in the incident on the basis of ‘impeding the legal professional activities of a reporter’.

If found guilty of the charge the defendants face a penalty ranging from a minimum of 50 to a maximum of 100 times their salaries or minimum one year of punitive work.