Media Appeal about Brutality towards Journalists

Media Appeal about Brutality towards Journalists

During the conference “Word on the Georgian Media” held from 5 to 6 December by the Journalists’ House and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Chakvi (Adjara region), the situation of the Georgian media was discussed.

One of the prime issues at the conference was the incident between journalist Irakli Imnaishvili and former Presidential representative in the Imereti region Akaki Bobokhidze. A letter of appeal was prepared on this which was signed by 28 participants of the conference.

Appeal

To the Georgian government,
To the Georgian media,
To Georgian society,
To international organizations,
To the diplomatic representations in Georgia,

In the light of the incident between former Presidential representative Akaki Bobokhidze and journalist Irakli Imnaishvili, we state the following:

All types of violence and brutality are unacceptable especially if directed against the freedom of thought and freedom of expression.

The stated opinion of the President of Georgia concerning the mentioned incident is alarming. He called the perpetrator an honorable and distinguished person.

The violation of law perpetrated by the official was interpreted as a defense of honor.

We demand that the government fulfills its duty and responsibility before the law and society and that it re-estimates the act of the former Presidential representative based on the criteria of lawfulness.