Journalists Accuse Government of Pressuring Media

A group of Georgian journalists signed a statement on July 7 expressing concern for the attempts by the government to control media sources’ editorial policies.

This statement, signed by some 76 journalists from about 20 media sources, reads that the Georgian leadership has started ?attacks against the media sources from the very first days? that followed the 2003 Rose Revolution.

A decision by the Tbilisi-based Mze (the Sun) television station to halt its daily political talk-show Archevanis Zgvarze (On the Verge of Choice) sparked debates regarding the authorities? pressure on media sources.

This decision by Mze television follows a statement by influential parliamentarian from the ruling National Movement party Giga Bokeria, who criticized the way Mze TV covered the June 30-July 1 civil unrest that occurred on Tbilisi?s central Rustaveli Avenue. Although officials deny any link with the television?s decision, the opponents perceived these developments with the Mze TV as one more sign of the government?s attempt to control the editorial policies of the country’s media outlets.

?We call on the Georgian government to refrain from interfering in the activities of the free media and from making irresponsible statements,? the statement by this group of journalists reads.

The statement also says that the journalist in the regions ?often become victims of pressure from the local authorities.? ?There is a difficult situation in this regard – especially in Shida Kartli, Kakheti, Imereti and Adjara,? the statement reads.

This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)