(RSF/IFEX) – On 24 October 2002, RSF voiced its outrage over a grenade attack that seriously injured investigative journalist Mark Grigorian in the centre of the Armenian capital of Yerevan on the night of 22 October. Grigorian, who is deputy director of the Caucasus Institute for Mass Media and RSF’s correspondent in Yerevan, believes the […]
(RSF/IFEX) – On 24 October 2002, RSF voiced its outrage over a grenade attack that seriously injured investigative journalist Mark Grigorian in the centre of the Armenian capital of Yerevan on the night of 22 October. Grigorian, who is deputy director of the Caucasus Institute for Mass Media and RSF’s correspondent in Yerevan, believes the attack was designed to prevent publication of an article he is preparing about a commando assault on the Armenian Parliament three years ago.
“This exceptionally violent attack against our correspondent must be viewed as an attempt to silence an investigative journalist who was looking into a matter of national interest,” RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard said in a letter to Interior Minister Hayk Haroutiounian. Ménard called on the minister to ensure that there is a thorough investigation of the incident and that Grigorian’s professional activities are considered as a motive for the attack. Ménard also urged the minister to do everything possible to guarantee the safety of journalists in Armenia.
Grigorian stated that the grenade was clearly targeted at him and that it exploded under his feet. He sustained serious injuries to his right lung, abdomen and legs, but his injuries are not considered to be life-threatening. He said he has no personal enemies or financial problems, but that it is commonly known that he is preparing an investigative report on the third anniversary of the 27 October 1999 commando attack on the Armenian Parliament. Eight of the country’s political leaders died in the attack, including the head of government, Vazguen Sarkissian, and Speaker of Parliament Karen Demirtchian.
