Public Defender: Kokoiti’s Authoritarian so-called Government Keeps Nongovernmental Sector Under Constant Pressure

Irina Gagloeva the representative of unrecognized republic South Ossetian Press and Information Committee decides the permission  of journalists into Tskhinvali region at her personal will, demanding on the accreditation from Georgian as well as  international media representatives.

The aforementioned topic is discussed in the Georgian Ombudsman Sozar Subari’s “Report on the Protection of Human Rights and Freedom – second part of 2006” to be examined on April 26 by the Parliament Committee for Human Rights and Civil Integration.

The report examines the situation concerning democracy institutions, freedom of press and speech in South Ossetia.

According to the report in April 2006 Luda bestaeva and Albina Parastaeva two Ossetian  girls, the winners of the entertainment program on the independent TV channel “Alania” were invited to Tbilisi by the latter. “On their arrival to Tskhinvali region the girls faced serious problems from the so-called law machinery. De facto authorities considered the fact as an insult to Ossetian people and declared the girls traitors.”

Subari also emphasizes that the government of the president Kokoiti periodically hinders the broadcasting of TV company “Alania” (covering Tskhinvali region) especially while airing news outlets or analytical programs.

“During the ruling period of Kokoiti’s Authoritarian so-called Government no democratic institution protecting the rights of the society or a person was established. The society is absolutely ignored from the political processes, the institute of presidential authorization in the region is just a formality” – says the report.

According to Subari’s statement Kokoiti keeps the nongovernmental sector under constant pressure and fully controls their activities. Nowadays the representatives of five international organizations operate in the region. Due to the different mindsets, Temur Tskhovrebovi and Alan Jusoevi were, absolutely groundlessly, declared traitors.

The report says that on May 10, 2006 due to the “incorrect” questions given at Kokoti’s meeting with students and pensioners two Ossetian students, later arrested by “Suki” officials, were dismissed from Tskhinvali University. At the meeting the student pointed out that the amount (15 000 US dollars) expended on the tour of Russian singer (Abraham Ruso) would rather be spent on pensioners and the repair works of kindergartens.

Source: Media.ge