Tragic Passing of Manana Aslamazyan Highlights Internews’ Ongoing Media Support
Manana Aslamazyan, who served as the chairperson of the Internews Foundation, died after being struck by a vehicle in Yerevan. The news was shared by a Tomsk-based journalist on social media, signaling a moment of grief across the independent media community. The report described the loss as a painful blow to friends, colleagues, and the broader network that has long supported press freedom in the region.
The post from the journalist conveyed deep sorrow, noting that Manana Aslamazyan was a dear friend and a guiding figure within the media landscape. The language underscored a sense of personal and professional loss, reflecting how her work touched many individuals who value independent reporting and media resilience.
At the time of reporting, details about any farewell ceremony remained unclear. Aslamazyan was reported to be 70 years old, and the information circulated amid a bereaved community that remembers her for leadership and advocacy in safeguarding journalistic integrity.
Aslamazyan’s role with the Internews Foundation positioned her at the forefront of efforts to strengthen independent media. The foundation, described as part of Internews International, operates with a global footprint that includes a headquarters in the United States and offices in multiple countries. Her work focused on capacity-building through training and retraining of media staff, aiming to elevate reporting standards and empower journalists to pursue accurate, ethical storytelling across diverse contexts. The broader Internews network has historically supported media development by nurturing newsroom skills, supporting investigative reporting, and promoting freedom of expression on a global scale.
In related regional developments, official statements circulated about another high-profile case, with authorities reporting the death of a journalist in a separate venue. Reports referenced a claim by a security agency regarding the involvement of individuals connected to a Ukrainian sabotage group, naming a Ukrainian citizen born in 1978 as part of the narrative. The statements were presented as part of ongoing investigations and highlights the complex information environment surrounding incidents that involve cross-border activity and security concerns. Stakeholders stressed the importance of careful verification and cautious interpretation as new details emerged. This context serves as a reminder of the challenging information landscape journalists navigate, where statements from official sources can be contested or clarified as investigations proceed. (citation: Internews; regional press reports; security agency briefings)