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Head of the Information Center of Kakheti Addressed the Prime Minister about Aggressive Fact against Journalists in Akhmeta

March 30, 2016
 
Lela Khechoshvili, Kakheti

On March 28, head of property management and infrastructure service at the Akhmeta district administration Lukhum Shetekauri verbally and physically assaulted journalist Tamar Modebadzze and cameraman Zaur Zavrashvili of the Information Center of Kakheti [ICK] during their professional activities.

The criminal investigation into the incident was launched under Article 154 Part II of the Criminal Code that applies to illegal interference in the professional activities of a journalist through intimidation or abuse of professional power. Lawyer of Human Rights Center Lia Khuroshvili defends legal interests of the journalists. She said the journalists were already questioned in the Akhmeta district division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The protocol was enclosed with the video-recording of the incident as evidence in the case.

As the head of the ICK Gela Mtivlishvili said it was not first incident against journalists.
“On March 19, 2016, representative of the Akhmeta district governor’s representative tried to hit the analytic of ICK Gela Shashiashvili by car. This dangerous fact of aggression is directly connected with the professional activities of Gela Shashiashvili,” said Gela Mtivlishvili at the special press-conference.

The ICK addressed the Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili with regard to March 19 and March 28 incidents, when journalists were subjected to aggression and physical assault from the side of local officials. According to the media organization, impunity syndrome naturally results into graver violations. ICK requests the government to ensure safe working environment for journalists and access to public information.

“We declare that these two facts of aggression are directly connected with the professional activities of ICK, namely with our critical publications about majoritarian MP of Akhmeta municipality Zurab Zviadauri, district governor Beka Baidauri and some officials in local authority. Despite the criminal signs in their activities, the law enforcement bodies do not react on them,” Mtivlishvili said.

According to the statement, Kakheti regional governor Irakli Shiolashvili encourages aggressive actions of local governmental officials towards journalists with his negative attitude towards the ICK.

“Please use all legitimate tools to ensure timely and impartial investigation of the crimes committed by local governmental officials. If the crimes are proved, all officials shall be held responsible before the law. Besides that, we request to create safe working environment for journalists, access to public information including the comments of senior officials,” the ICK addressed the Prime Minister of Georgia. 

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