“Court Transparency Is Necessary”

Journalists from Samtskhe-Javakheti Region expressed their concern regarding the legislative amendments introduced to the law on prohibition of photo-film-video shooting at trials.

Ia Gegeshidze, a journalist for the regional newspaper “Samkhretis Karibche” (South Gate). “Prohibition of video shooting and restriction of audio-stenography recording of court hearings will cause mistrust in independent and impartial judiciary system. The problem deals with freedom and accessibility of information. Population has right to know real facts. The society has already lost faith in court and does not believe that judiciary system is independent which fails to pass impartial verdicts. Consequently, people cannot adopt with similar decision of legislative body and will protest it.”

Magda Kldiashvili, a journalist for regional newspaper “Samkhretis Karibche”: “Prohibition of video and audio recording causes serious doubt on the transparency of Georgian Judiciary System. The country, which is “building up” a democracy, should not restrict the freedom of expression. Independent court is indispensable condition to build up the democracy. Video shooting would not prevent the court proceedings; however it could destroy the prestige of the court. Anyway I should admit that very often journalists used to forget the purpose of their arrival at court and instead of drawing their attention to the process, they were more curious about quarrels in the courtrooms. They were eager to record who insulted journalists who spoke in foul language, etc. Very often, similar people really prevented court proceedings. It would be better if government prepared a mechanism based on democratic principles to avoid similar situation. Thus the reputation of the court will not cause any suspicion and journalists will be offered to work in corresponding conditions.”

Nino Narimanishvili, a journalist: “Unethical behavior of several journalists should not have become the reason to enact similar law; they should not have even considered similar draft law. If court proceedings are fair, they should not need to conduct trials in secret. They should not ban to broadcast the process publicly.”

Natia Nebieridze, a journalist: “Audio, Video or stenographic recordings of the court proceeding are best sources to inform the society. In this situation people have a chance to become conscious about current situation and give proper assessments to facts. Prohibition restricts transparency of the court.”

Tamuna Uchidze, a journalist: “Prohibition of audio and video recording might not change anything at trials. However, transparency of court proceedings is necessary to make the society trust the court.

Maia Ivelashvili-correspondent for Radio “Tavisfuleba” (Freedom) in Samtskhe-javakheti region: “Prohibition of audio and video recording will not change anything at court hearings. There are a lot of problems to eradicate in the judiciary system. However, transparency and providing the society with reliable information are very important to gain trust among population.”

Gulo Kokhodze, Akhaltsikhe