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Georgian Media Club Announcement

February 21, 2006

Georgian Media Club Announcement

On the 17th of February, the Georgian Minister of Security decided to appoint to the post of Commander of the National Guard of the Ministry of Security, former Governor of Imereti, Akaki Bobokhidze. The decision itself originated from the President of Georgia.

On the 1st December 2005, Bobokhidze physically assaulted the journalist Irakli Imnaishvili, during his visit to the “Rioni” TV Company. Imnaishvili filed a law suit against the Governor on the 12th of December and after few weeks the case against Bobokhidze began. The report of an independent expert confirmed that physical harm had indeed been inflicted. Evidence from eye-witnesses to the assault has also been gathered.

According to the law, Bobokhidze could be accused of physical assault, which can result in imprisonment from three to five years. However, the investigation is still not finished and the court decision has yet to be made.

Despite the fact, that a case has been launched against Bobokhidze, the President and the Minister of Security still made the decision to promote him to the post of Commander.

The Georgian Media Club believes that such facts once again show the cynical attitude of the government towards journalists and the media in general. This is why similar cases are never investigated.

We ask the President and the Minister of Security to not promote Bobokhidze and also not to interfere in the investigation process. Moreover, if justice is not carried out, this precedent will only serve to increase the impunity felt by high-level officials, ultimately making the situation for civil society and the media even worse. 

1. Georgian Media Club
2. Regional Media Association of Georgia
3. Human Rights Centre

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