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Yesterday, on August 7, our friend Medialab held an open-air live exhibition of its political cartoons at Mahstots Park in Yerevan. While it was initially planned to have a week-long exhibition in a closed space, the appointment was cancelled by the host and Medialab was unable to rent any other place in the City of Yerevan because the owners feared repercussions for hosting the event. In solidarity with Medialab, the attendees of the open-air exhibition also wore the exhibits on them.

Last night, after the exhibition somebody broke the rear windshield of Medialab Director’s car and stole all print cartoons. This low act is another vandal infringement on freedom of expression in Armenia and speaks of the absolute insecurity the ruling regime feels towards its authority.

As the event description rightly said the exhibition was called “Not-Banned” because while there is declared freedom, in reality, in this atmosphere of fear Medialab was unable to space to rent for the exhibition. “Live” because this is an evidence of Medialab being alive, it is their way of fighting indifference and the citizens that support this fight were to be the living pillars for this cartoons that have been a reason for ongoing attempts to pressure Medialab through different channels.

Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly – Vanadzor calls upon the police to immediately and thoroughly investigate the attack, otherwise we reserve the right to believe that this crime was committed with their direct support and participation.

The statement is supported by

Coalition to Stop Violence against Women, including:

Women’s Resource Center NGO

Women’s Rights Center NGO

Women’s Support Center NGO

Society without Violence NGO

Public Information and Need of Knowledge NGO

Sexual Assault Crisis Center NGO

Real World, Real People NGO