Ter-Petrossian Supporters Attack Freedom of Speech in U.S.

The USA Armenian Life Magazine reports that supporters of former Levon Ter-Petrossian attempted to disrupt a live round table discussion in Glendale. The Diaspora publication considers the incident to be an attack on freedom of speech. The American police are now investigating the incident.

On Saturday, March 22, at around 10:30 p.m., during a live broadcast of a round table discussion in Glendale, California, two supporters of Levon Ter-Petrossyan, a failed presidential candidate, attacked the studios of ARTN TV, then they intruded upon the participants of the TV show that was underway, aiming to interrupt their discussion, said a spokesman of the TV station.

This invasion of the TV station caused a wave of complaints by Armenian TV viewers. The spokesman added that “the nature of that incident and the style in which it was carried out is totally compatible with the so-called ‘democracy project’ that is adopted by ‘H.H.Sh.,’ also known as the ‘Armenian National Movement? political party (the main backers of Ter-Petrossyan’s candidacy).”

The spokesman continued: “By way of direct threats of ?liquidation? of TV show participants; threatening their lives; and cursing, the invaders demanded that the show be stopped. This awfully unpleasant attack — nothing short of an attempt to stifle free speech — boldly reflects these forces’ ‘vision’ for and attitude toward freedom, democracy and human rights. But in the United States of America, similar acts of sabotage cannot prevail. This incident’s investigation has been assigned to law enforcement officials.”

On Monday, March 24, during an interview with USA Armenian Life Magazine and Hye Kiank Armenian Weekly, Mr. Robert Oglakhchyan, President and Chief Executive Officer of ARTN-TV Company, told this writer “the management of the studio strongly condemns this very disturbing act that intended to obstruct the work of free media.” […] On Tuesday, March 25, it became apparent that the violators of law and order will be held accountable.