How to Obtain Information

Relations concerning freedom of information are regulated by the Law of the Republic of Armenia “On Freedom of Information”, which defines the powers of information holders—state and local self-government bodies, state institutions, organizations financed from budgets, as well as organizations of public significance and their officials—in the field of providing information, as well as the procedure, forms and conditions for obtaining information.

What Is Freedom of Information?

Freedom of information is the exercise of the right to seek information and (or) obtain it from an information holder in accordance with the procedure prescribed by law.

Who Can Apply for Information and How?

Every person has the right to access the information they seek and (or) to submit a request to an information holder in accordance with the procedure prescribed by law in order to obtain such information.

Foreign nationals may exercise the rights and freedoms provided for by the RA Law “On Freedom of Information” only in cases stipulated by law and (or) an international treaty.

When May Freedom of Information Be Restricted?

Freedom of information may be restricted in cases provided for by the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia and by law.

When May the Provision of Information Be Refused?

An information holder, except in the cases stipulated by Article 8, Part 3 of the RA Law “On Freedom of Information,” shall refuse to provide information if it:

• Contains state, official, banking or commercial secrets;

• Violates the privacy of a person’s private and family life, including the confidentiality of correspondence, telephone conversations, postal, telegraphic and other communications;

• Contains pre-trial investigation data not subject to publication;

• Discloses data requiring restricted access due to professional activities (medical, notarial or attorney-client secrets);

• Violates copyright and (or) related rights.

If part of the requested information contains data whose provision is subject to refusal, the remaining part of the information shall be provided.

When May the Provision of Information Not Be Refused?

The provision of information may not be refused if it:

• Concerns emergencies threatening the safety and health of citizens, as well as natural disasters (including officially forecast disasters) and their consequences;

• Represents the general state of the economy of the Republic of Armenia, as well as the actual situation in the fields of nature and environmental protection, healthcare, education, agriculture, trade and culture;

• Failure to provide it would have a negative impact on the implementation of state programs for the socio-economic, scientific-technical and spiritual-cultural development of the Republic of Armenia.

How to Complete a Written Request

A written request shall include the applicant’s first name, surname, citizenship, and place of residence, work or educational institution. The written request must be signed. In the case of a legal entity, its name and location shall be indicated.

When Is No Response Provided to a Written Request?

According to the RA Law “On Freedom of Information,” no response shall be provided to a written request if:

• It does not contain all the information about the applicant prescribed by law;

• It is established that the data concerning the identity of its author are false;

• It is the second request submitted by the same person within the previous six months seeking the same information, except in the case stipulated by Article 10, Part 4 of the RA Law “On Freedom of Information.”

The applicant is not required to justify the request.

Within What Time Limits and How Is a Written Request Answered?

The response to a request is provided within the following time limits:

• If the information specified in the written request has not been published, a copy shall be provided to the applicant within 5 days of receiving the request;

• If the information specified in the written request has been published, information about the means, location and time of publication shall be provided to the applicant within 5 days of receiving the request;

• If additional work is required to provide the information specified in the written request, the information shall be provided within 30 days of receiving the request. The applicant shall be notified in writing within 5 days of receiving the request, stating the reasons for the delay and the final deadline for providing the information.

The response to a written request shall be provided in the format specified in the request. If no format is specified and it is impossible to respond within the time limit prescribed by law, the response shall be provided on a material medium acceptable to the information holder.

Where to Appeal a Refusal to Provide Information

A refusal to provide information may be appealed to an authorized state administration body or to a court.