Today, 8 December 2021, the Minister of Culture reportedly held a briefing on the appointment of theatre managers, where the representatives of TV Pirveli were not allowed to attend the meeting. Later, when asked by the journalist about the reason for such restriction, Culture Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Thea Tsulukiani replied that she (the journalist) was not a critical but an “unbridled” media representative.
The journalist, who was in the Ministry of Culture building, noted that, as in the past, only certain TV channels that were on the pre-provided list were allowed beyond check-in counter.
This is not the first time that the Ministry of Culture has shown a selective attitude towards the media. Part of the media was also not invited to the briefing planned by the Georgian Minister of Culture on 22 November. The rights of journalists were restricted by the Ministry of Justice in the same way on 11 November 2021.
Such a discriminatory approach undermines the right of media representatives to fulfil their professional duties, to receive and disseminate information on important issues. At the same time, it limits the ability of the public to follow current events from a variety of sources.
Georgia prohibits any form of discrimination. The above-mentioned cases contradict the provisions of the Law of Georgia on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination.
The Coalition once again calls on the Ministry of Culture to stop its discriminatory approach to the media and to allow all journalists equal access to information.
At the same time, the Coalition appeals to the Public Defender of Georgia, as the office monitoring the elimination of discrimination and ensuring equality, to
· Investigate the facts of discrimination against journalists at the briefings and issue an appropriate recommendation.
· To prepare and send to the relevant institutions/persons general proposals on issues of prevention of and fight against discrimination.
The Media Advocacy Coalition is ready to represent the interests of journalists and media organisations when controversial cases arise.
