Human Rights Center is concerned about the statement made by the TV 3, which alleges that members of the United National Movement threaten and blackmail employees of the TV-Company. The TV-Company’s administration urges civil society organizations and diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia to secure them from the harassment.
The founders noted in the press-release published on the official website of the TV3 that part of politicians carries out purposeful discreditation against the TV 3. More precisely they mentioned the statement of the Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava, which was spread before court suspended him from office.
Gigi Ugulava noted that Akaki Chkhenkeli, head of the Department for the Relations with Regions and Local Self-Governmental Bodies at the Government’s Chancellery oppressed judges. “Chkhenkeli’s brother is also involved in the process; he is a founder of one of the TV-Companies and new “Khukhashvili” of Garibashvili’s government. He is involved in business deals and regulates distribution of business shares in the country,” Gigi Ugulava said.
Human Rights Center believes that senior officials shall refrain from making ungrounded allegations and statements against media organizations that might damage the reputation of the media and undermine freedom of speech and media.
It is significant to note that the TV-Company expressed readiness to provide investigative bodies with the facts and evidence which prove the alleged oppression. Considering the aforementioned circumstances, Human Rights Center calls on the Chief Prosecutor’s Office to timely study the materials and conduct efficient investigation into the case to estimate the truth.
Human Rights Center