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Journalists Gathered to Protect Freedom of Expression

October 21, 2009

Ana Sheshaberidze

Today, Regional Media Association and network of journalists organized a protest rally in front of the parliament of Georgia. The journalists working in the regions of Georgia arrived in Tbilisi to support Adjara based independent TV Company “TV-25”.

On October 9, 2009 Batumi City Court imposed fine of 277 547 GEL on the TV Company, which was accumulated during the governance of Aslan Abashidze, former head of the Adjara Autonomous Republic. At that time, the company was deprived from the owners. Journalists request the government to annul those debts.

Demonstrators assess the fact as persecution of freedom of expression. They said it is policy of the government which contradicts the freedom of expression and attempts to control the media in the country.

Journalist Zviad Koridze attended the demonstration to support the independent TV Company. “The society shall know what is really going on about the TV-25 because it is very serious problem. One more source for the free expression and free speech is being closed in Georgia,” said Koridze.

Tamar Khidasheli, chairwoman of the Young Lawyers Association, also attended the demonstration. She said everybody shall raise voice against the persecution of media sources in Georgia. Khidasheli hopes the government will not close the independent TV Company in Adjara.

Politicians also participated in the demonstration. Magda Anikashvili from the Christian-Democrat Party stated that the party will do everything to stop persecution of independent media sources and to support journalists in their professional activities. She said the Christian-Democrats have already raised the question at the parliament.

Ia Mamaladze, chairwoman of the Regional Media Association, does not exclude the possibility that other media sources will also face similar problems during the current government. She is sure it is political decision because nobody has recalled about the debt during Abashidze’s governance.

At the moment TV-Company TV-25 is broadcasting in Adjara Autonomous Republic.

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