Partner organisations of the Media Advocacy Coalition consider the arrest of Irakli Absandze as an attempt to intimidate media

On 12 July 2021, 12 people were reportedly arrested near the HQ of Georgian Dream, including Public Broadcasterjournalist Irakli Absandze.

Video footage shows that the journalist is arrested as he does not resist the police.

It is important to note that in recent days Irakli Absandze protested against the facts of violence against journalists and criticised the government representative.

We call on the Ministry of Interior of Georgia to refrain from using a similar mechanism of harassment and intimidation of journalists.

Signatory organisations:

The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association 

The Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics

Media Club

Alliance of Regional Broadcasters

Media Development Foundation

Media Rights

Open Society Foundation

The Georgian Democratic Initiative

TV Net

Transparency International – Georgia