Armenia moves to ban foreign media content interfering in domestic politics

Armenia has proposed banning the distribution of foreign television and radio content deemed to interfere in the country’s internal political affairs.

The initiative was announced by Minister of High-Tech Industry Mkhitar Ayrapetian during the presentation of amendments to the law On Audiovisual Media. The proposed changes were approved on February 3 by the parliamentary commission on science, education, culture, diaspora, youth, and sports, Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media. 

The bill focuses on regulating audiovisual content distributed in Armenia, including material broadcast through the public multiplex. Ayrapetian said that while such content expands viewing opportunities, it also creates risks and challenges.

Under the proposed amendments, the distribution of content promoting the violent overthrow of the constitutional order, advocating violence or cruelty, disseminating pornography or erotica, or broadcasting films and audiovisual programmes containing elements of criminal subculture would be prohibited. The draft law also bans foreign television and radio programmes that "aim to interfere in Armenia’s internal political life."

In addition, Ayrapetian noted that the amendments clarify the legal grounds, criteria, and mechanisms for suspending or terminating the licences of network operators. The bill also revises requirements for audiovisual programme distributors and introduces a new section outlining penalties for violations of the law.

By Sabina Mammadli