Gia Abdaladze: “My Career of a Reporter Ended”

According to photo reporter Gia Abdaladze, his career as a reporter ended.

Abdaladze states that he might take pictures of only the birthdays and weddings. “Imagine, how can I take photos of the political press conferences or meetings?” – states Gia Abdaladze in the exclusive interview given to the newspaper Kviris Palitra.

The journalist who interviewed Abdaladze explains that the condition and terms according to which Abdaladze was released does not enable him to ask questions freely. The journalist states that if they protest against the plea-bargain agreement or talk about the pressure, they will go back to the prison.

As Abdaladze states he is very sad and cannot say anything special. But he will never forget what he felt and thanks everyone for the support.

“Prison is a parallel world where it is very hard to live in. In the cell I could listen to only the cellmate and the radio. I had to turn the antenna in a special way and then hold it by hand to listen to the radio Palitra. I held my hands up to be able to listen to the news about me. I had to switch hands fearing that the contact would break off. When the news ended, I just fell on the bed. My life changed. This was a second prison after Tskhinvali. God forbid, I cannot stand this more though I thought I was strong.”

“There was time when I thought about suicide. Eka Beselia used to tell me that the media and society was supporting me and encouraged me not to give up. I am not a hero. I am a normal person,” – states Abdaladze.

According to him, he realized in the cell that the best features of a person are patience and forgiveness.

“Forgiveness is a great virtue and only Patriarch can truly forgive. There was a picture of Patriarch on the wall in the cell and every time I felt hopeless I would look at it and realized that it gave me strength. I thought about him, thought about his support. I knew that he would stand by me. I thought about my family who is most precious for me. When my bank account was checked, I was made fun, how come a spy did not have money? I had a debt from two banks. The picture of patriarch did not give me right to commit suicide. The guy who sat with me in the cell, constantly read prayers. He would stand in front of picture of Patriarch and start reading prayers and when he did it, I felt amazing peace,” – states Abdaladze.

According to him, when he agreed to give testimony, he warned them to check the dates. He does not know why they did not.

“It seems like they were so happy about my testimony that hurried to make it public as soon as possible,” – states Abdaladze.

Gia Abdaladze was released from the court room on July 22nd. The plea-bargain agreement was signed according to which was sentenced by four years conditional home arrest. He was charged with the offence of espionage. He was detained on July 7th.

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