Affiliated media: Syuniacyerkir.am, Online publication

Incident date: November 12, 2018

Attack type:

• Prosecution for libel, insult, violation of privacy (1)

Who attacked: Non-authorities

Source: Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression

Location: Armenia, Yerevan

Additional information:

On November 12, the businessman Vahe Hakobyan filed a lawsuit to the Yerevan Court of General Jurisdiction against the NGO “Union of Informed Citizens”, “Syuniac yerkir” Ltd., and Armday.AM Ltd, seeking a public retraction and apology on the websites “Fip.am”, “Syuniacyerkir.am” and “Armday.am” respectively for alleged slander published on the platforms. The plaintiff also sought AMD 2 million for the damage caused to his honour and reputation. The reason for the lawsuit was an article published on "Fip.am" on October 23, according to which the former Governor of Syunik Vahe Hakobyan had funded his and his wife's businesses through his foundation. On November 22, the court returned the lawsuit due to errors in the documents provided. A new lawsuit was not filed afterwards.