Armenia recommends adding internet restrictions to martial law regulations

The Armenian Ministry of Justice is proposing to amend the law on martial law with internet restrictions.

The ministry explains the recommendation by saying that the current law only envisages restrictions on freedom of expression of opinion, temporary confiscation or seizure of publishing devices, radio broadcasting or loudspeaker equipment and other disseminating equipment, a special procedure for journalist accreditation and special rules for using means of communication during martial law, however, the law doesn’t mention the internet, according to Armenpress.

The bill submitted by the justice ministry seeks to set restrictions at times of martial law on the content spread through the internet or broadcast on television, ensuring the dissemination of only military-patriotic films and programmes and information. Also, the bill seeks to introduce new regulations of temporary restricting internet websites, social networks and internet applications, as well as partial or complete restriction of internet access during declared martial law.

The bill notes that the deputy prime minister will be authorised to implement non-military events or impose restrictions during martial law.

A special governance council for the martial law territory can be launched under the Cabinet decision as a consultative body under the prime minister, according to the bill.