Statement of NGOs
NGOs are expressing concern regarding the facts of pressure exercised against the Mtskheta-Mtianeti Information Center and are asking the relevant bodies to urgently react upon the corresponding.
Mtskheta-Mtianeti Information Center is the only independent media outlet in the region operating since the year of 2011 by the support of the Open Society Georgia Foundation. The goal of the organization is to prepare and disseminate the journalism material regarding the regional problems. Mtskheta-Mtianeti Information Center had been covering the facts of human rights violations and other problematic issues for a while. The journalistic investigations started as well. Based on the Center material, the information was disseminated in the national TV, newspapers and information agencies.
The activity of Mtskheta-Mtianeti Information Center was followed by sharp reaction from the local government. The local journalists of the Information Center were intimidated and forced to quit the job. The driver also had to quit the job. The local government tries to create problems for the Center regarding the office which is located in the house of the private individual (according to the agreement).
NGOs are addressing the local government of Mtskheta-Mtianeti region to stop exercising pressure on journalists. Also, we are addressing the government and the relevant authority to ensure the work of media and NGOs in the region.
Human Rights Center
CENN (Caucasus Environmental NGO Network)
Article 42 of Constitution