Police Restricts Distribution of Georgian Dream’s Newspapers in Akhmeta

Nino Korashvili, Information Center of Kakheti

Police restricts distribution of the Georgian Dream’s newspapers in Akhmeta. Head of Akhmeta district office of the Republic Party Zakaria Kinkladze reported that on Sundays, after the activists of the Georgian Dream distribute newspapers in the market and surrounding area, the police officers start withdrawal of those newspapers.

Zakaria Kinkladze: “About 20 people told us the police officers had seized the newspapers from them, which young people had distributed. Mostly, we give out newspapers on Sunday. Residents of all villages arrive here and it is good time to update them with the information. The young activists distribute newspapers even in the bus station. The police officers observe this process. We have learned that as soon as activists leave the area, the police officers follow them and seize the distributed newspapers. I personally saw police officers get on Akhmeta-Matani rout mini-bus and alter I learned that they seized the newspapers from people. So, yesterday, the young people remained in the area after the newspapers were distributed to prevent the police officers from seizing newspapers from people.”

Correspondent of the ICK arrived in Akhmeta yesterday and personally saw police officers observing the newspaper distribution process in the town. One of them was going to seize the newspaper from the traders in the market but having seen the camera he left the area. Many people hid the newspapers in the bags when they saw police officers.

Ms. Natela from Pshaveli village: “Why should I run a risk? I will take it home and at least use it to wrap something.”

A man from Shakhvetila village: “I will read what they have written; what is going on in the country. I do not receive any other newspapers. We cannot often travel to Akhmeta because of bad road and who will care about newspapers. These children have started distribution of free newspapers lately. I took it but they will get on the bus and take it away.

-Who will get on?

-Police officers

-Have they seized newspapers before?

-Yes, last week they got on the mini-bus before it started off and asked who had newspapers; we did not hide anything and they seized newspapers from everybody.

-Why do they seize newspapers?

-Who will tell me the reason?

-Did not you ask them the reason?

-No, how could I ask that.

ICK’s journalist tried to ask questions to police officers in Akhmeta market and surrounding area.

-Why are you here? Is anything happening?

-It is our working zone.

-People complained that you seize newspapers of the Georgian Dream from them.

-It is not right information. Call the MIA press center

-Does the press-center know about it?

-Call the press-center.