Religious organizations throw brickbats at journalists

Yerevan's Congress Hotel today hosted presentation of the book "Freedom of Religion in Armenia" co-authored by Avetik Ishkhanyan, Vahan Ishkhanyan and Mary Yeranosyan.

The event brought together representatives of the Armenian Apostolic Church and religious organization who started a heated debate over press publications.
Religious organizations are not provided equal footing in Armenia, Helsinki Committee President Avetik Ishkhanyan said.

The authors of the book argue that there are more than 70 "prisoners of conscience" in Armenia, who refuse to serve in the army because of their religious belief.
Journalist Vahan Ishkhanyan claims the freedom of conscience and religion is violated by media rather than by authorities.

"If the journalists covering political events are divided into opposition and pro-government groups, in this case, they are unanimously against the activities of religious organizations," said Mr. Ishkhanyan.
Evangelical Church representative Levon Partakchyan says people are guided by ignorance while Jehovah's Witnesses representative Levon Margaryan criticizes dissemination of intolerance.

Armenian Apostolic Church representative Ter Vahram Melikyan was displeased with the book. "The study should have displayed equal and unbiased approach to the phenomenon taking into consideration both sides of the coin," he said.

Source Publication: a1plus.am
Source: http://www.a1plus.am/en/social/2010/06/4/religion

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