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Journalist Was Not Allowed to Attend Briefing of Adjara Supreme Council

May 30, 2013
 
Maka Malakmadze, Adjara

Journalist Tariel Tsetskhladze from Radio Adjara was not allowed to attend the traditional press-conference of Avtandil Beridze, chairman of the Adjara Supreme Council.

“The briefing was due to start at 12:00 pm. Security guards did not allow me into the building saying they had received similar instruction. After the briefing, head of press-center Marine Kupreishvili met me and said since I had sued Avtandil Beridze for having insulted and degraded my professional dignity, it would have been discomfort for him to see me at the briefing,” Tsetskhladze said.

Chair of Adjara Supreme Council Avtandil Beridze said he was not informed about this fact. He said he had not issued the instruction but noted that one representative of the Radio Station Adjara attended his briefing and there was no need to invite another journalist too. Press-center of the Adjara legislative body did not comment on the incident.

Representatives of the GYLA’s Batumi office state the fact contradicts requirements of the Article 153 and 154 of the Criminal Code of Georgia that is punishable by imprisonment up to two years or by fine. 

The journalist assessed the fact as interference in his professional activities and intends to appeal to the Court. Tsetskhladze has already filed a suit against the Chair of the Supreme Council at the Batumi City Court – on verbal assault. The trial on this case is scheduled today at the Batumi City Court.

Journalist Ethic Charter also spread statement with regard to this fact.

“Georgian Journalistic Ethic Charter believes interference in the professional activities of a journalist is inadmissible. It is also inadmissible to create unequal conditions for journalists particularly when it refers to the press-conference by public servant. Journalistic Ethic Charter calls upon the Adjara Supreme Council, its chair and press-center not to adhere the work of media representatives, not to create unequal conditions for journalists due to their personal attitude towards media outlets or journalists and allow all of them to freely attend press-conferences and other public meetings,” the Charter statement reads.

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