Amnesty International About TV-Radio company ‘Imedi’

Amnesty International issued report 2009 on human rights situation in Georgia. The international non-governmental organization reviewed the freedom of media in Georgia. The report states:

“We were reported that media representatives of opposition activists were persecuted… in November, 2007 riot police confiscated the office of TV Company Imedi and ceased broadcasting of TV-Radio Company “Imedi”. The Company resumed broadcasting in May, 2008. The channel broadcasts in entire Georgia and was famous for its critical reporting about the government. It cannot be said about other national TV Channels. After the owner of the TV-Radio Company “Imedi” was changed on May 30, 2008 the directors of the Radio “Imedi” were fired.”

“On April 4, 2008 National Commission of Communications in Georgia” refused to issue license of news-programs on the TV Company “Maestro” which is cable channel and covers only Tbilisi and three towns of the eastern Georgia,” stated the report.

Family representative of late Badri Patarkatsishvili, the founder of TV Company ‘Imedi’ stated regarding the report 2009 of Amnesty International.

‘The report distinctly describes the outrageous process of violation of freedom of speech in Georgia. The fact of dismissing directors of TV-radio Company ‘Imedi’ is described as followe-up to the fact of quelling ‘Imedi’ by riot police”.

“We welcome the official statement made by one of the most respectful international NGOs and call on all states, their leaders to have positive impact on the Georgian government and their actions.”

Former spokesperson of the Defense Ministry was appointed as a head of social-political department of ‘Imedi TV’; it demonstrates direct interference of the government in the activitiss of independent media.

Journalists are forbidden to interview opposition leaders. Critical speeches towards the government are not broadcasted. Ambassador of France to Georgia Mr. Erik Furnier even refused to deliver interview to ‘Imedi’ journalists as they purposefully misinterpreted his comments.

“We thank Amnesty International for their support and hope that different states, NGOs and media organizations will raise the issue of ‘Imedi’ in the limelight of world society”,  it is said in the announcement of family members of late Patarkatsishvili.

Source: Interpressnews