“I have never been treated in such a way”
"No one has ever treated me so brutally. Even the skinheads of our oligarchs have been kinder to me," photojournalist Gagik Shamshyan told A1+ in the resuscitation department of the Nairi Medical Centre.
Gagik Shamshyan was beaten up in Yerevan State Linguistic University earlier today.
During his activity, Gagik Shamshyan has been subjected to numerous harassments and violence but it is the first time the photojournalist of "Aravot" and "Chorrord Ishkhanutyun" newspapers has been severely beaten up.
Gagik Shamshyan tells that after today's protest action organised by the University students he went to the University with some other reporters seeking the opinion of the University administration. At the entrance they came into collision with the security officers who banned the reporters' access to the building. The quarrel later came to blows.
The photojournalist says he has substantial evidence which will help identify the assailants. "They were the security men and one of the pro-rectors who didn't like the way I was carrying out my professional duties - photographing the interior from a suitable position. The moment they attacked me I managed to take a few photos. I have been told that some TV Companies working in the building also shot the incident."
Gagik Shamshyan got hits below the belt. Assistant director of the medical centre, Siranush Martirosyan says Shamshyan has been thoroughly examined. He is diagnosed with a fractional damage of urethra. "The patient's state is stabilising gradually," she adds.
Gagik Shamshyan confirmed the assistant director's words and said he is getting better. He has already been visited by police representatives. The press service of the Armenian Police informed us that an inquiry into the incident is already in progress.
President of Armenia's Freedom of Speech Protection Committee, Ashot Melikyan, went to the University today to inquire about the incident. He says the safety officers immediately hid their certifications and refrained from making comments.
A1+ was unable to get any information from the University. At first we were told that Rector Suren Zolyan was out. Then the guard answering the telephone call said that the working day was over and Suren Zolyan was no longer in the building.
