Georgian Press Association Appeals to Society, Government and Diplomatic Corps

Georgian Press Association released its statement to the society, Georgian government, diplomatic corps and all interested people.

“We, representatives of the Georgian media, think the project of the Tbilisi City Hall “Promotion of Small and Medium Business” does not actually aim to develop small and medium business and to create working places at all. In fact, it aims to destroy the current distribution system of the newspapers and threats freedom of expression. We would like to underline that recently, the government of Georgia attempted to obtain control over free printed media several times. Part of newspaper booths was compelled to stop working because of announced auction. The last measures taken by the City Hall have already had impact on the circulation of the Georgian newspapers. All abovementioned facts create serious financial problems for magazines and newspapers and hinder the society to have access to independent information. Thus, they act against the development of the country, public interests, free media and democracy. We, the undersigned, suggest and request the Tbilisi City Hall to halt their steps taken against the printed media. We request them to hold the auction in the framework of the so-called Healthy Competition apart of the booths where newspapers have been sold for many years already and to leave isles of freedom in Tbilisi where citizens will be able to get impartial information and create their personal opinion about the ongoing events in the country.”

Georgian Press Association, Georgian Regional Media Association, newspapers “Alia,” “Asaval-Dasavali”, “Arsenali,” “Versia”, “Akhali Taoba,” “А и Ф”, “Bomondi”, “Gza”, “Georgian Journal”, “Gumbati”, “Da Kali”, “Eruditi”, “Tbiliselebi”, “Istoriani”, “Karuseli,” “Kviris Palitra”, “Lelo”, “Literaturuli Palitra,” “Mesinjeri”, “Mkurnali”, “Msoplio Sporti,” “Olimpi,” “Resonance,” “Reitingi,” “Sarke,” “Saerto Gazeti,” “Sitkva da Sakme,” “Sakartvelos Respublika,” “Sakartvelo da Msoplio,” “Kvela Siakhle,” “TV Infozavri,” “Kartuli Sitkva,” “Kronika,” “Liberali,” and “Media.ge” have signed the appeal.

Interpresnews