Public Defender Calls Upon the Ministry of Interior to Investigate Incidents concerning Journalists

The Public Defender of Georgia calls upon the Ministry of Interior of Georgia to investigate the facts of oppression on journalists.

Sozar Subari, the Ombudsman, stated at the press-conference today that not a single fact of oppression before and after April 9 was investigated and it encourages the harassers to attack journalists again.

“Physical assault is more than just a beating; it endangers democracy in a country,” said Sozar Subari.

The Ombudsman stated that physical assault of journalists must end in Georgia.

One reason of the aggression against journalists is the attitude of media-owners towards the political activities and lack of independent editorial boards. More precisely, journalists have become the weapon of propaganda and this annoys people.

Sozar Subari said that there is no solidarity among journalists. “If we had reminded the government about each incident concerning journalists, the authority would have already responded on them. Journalists often refuse to cooperate with the Public Defender because media-owners forbid them. I call upon the journalists for solidarity”, said Sozar Subari.

Source: Interpressnews