Journalists Petitioned to US Embassy to Wow Release of Photo-Reporters

Interpresnews

On July 11, journalists delivered a petition initiated by the Alia Holding at the US Embassy; they request release of photo-reporters Giorgi Abdaladze and Zurab Kurtsikidze under vouch. About 100 journalists signed the petition.

Part of journalists requested release of Irakli Gedenidze too.

 “Alia Holding” requested release of only Abdaladze and Kurtsikidze in their petition; Gedenidze has already pleaded guilty.

Interpresnews published full text of the appeal.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, you represent democratic country and support democratic developments in Georgia.  You already know that Georgian photo-reporters were detained for espionage and the case is Top Secret. We cannot understand what concrete information they have shared and whose Special Forces they cooperated with. The materials published by the Georgian MIA do not clarify anything; furthermore, they cast more questions. The detained photo-reporters cooperated with American and European Agencies and implemented their professional activities. Giorgi Abdaladze, who has been on dry hunger-strike for the fifth day already, is a stringer photographer of the Associated Press; the second detainee is photo-reporter of the European PressPhoto Agency in Georgia.

In fact, Georgian Government accused European Press-Photo Agency of being a subordinated organization to Russian Special Forces. We have grounded doubt that oppression of the government of Georgia on Georgian media and detention of photo-reporters is connected with their professional activities rather than with their criminal offenses.

We doubt, the photo-reporters became victims of personal revenge of the governmental officials. We have many questions without answers and we only hope about your support. Only your involvement will support removal of Top Secret from case materials and release of the detainees. All undersigned non-governmental organizations and media-organizations support the detainees. We wow that they will cooperate with the investigation after they are released. I kindly request your timely involvement in the process and proper respond to the fact. The time is running out. Life and health of Giorgi Abdaladze is in danger.”

The appeal with 93 signatures was sent to the international organizations and embassies.