An international media watchdog yesterday expressed concern about an upsurge in libel suits against Armenian newspapers critical of the government, calling it a serious threat to press freedom in the country. “Reporters without Borders is concerned about all the libel actions being brought against Armenian newspapers and the disproportionate damages being demanded, which threaten their survival and create a climate that encourages self-censorship,” the Paris-based group said in a statement. “This tendency to use lawsuits to throttle news media must be reined in.” “In most cases, the courts seem to do what the plaintiffs want, imposing the maximum amount of damages,” the RSF said. The watchdog added that it is now closely monitoring several libel cases heard by Yerevan courts.
