We, the member organisations of the Media Advocacy Coalition address the news from March 11th, 2021 that states the authorities have authorized the removal of materials from TV Pirveli. The television company has already received the corresponding ruling.
It is essential to emphasize that, as per Article 50 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Georgia, a journalist cannot act as a witness concerning any information gathered within their professional capacity. Thus, any attempt to influence journalists will be regarded as an endeavour to expose the source of information.
The matter pertains to the covert recordings that TV Pirveli released on March 6, 2021. Consequently, an inquiry was initiated into the unauthorized recording and/or viewing of private conversations, along with the recording of private communication and the illicit use and dissemination of information acquired through technical means.
Although the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia stated on 9th March 2021 that the investigation into the hidden recordings did not target any media companies or journalists, we believe that investigating in this manner jeopardizes the safety of the media, which can potentially become a target of political retaliation.
We urge our international partners to give particular attention to the ongoing campaign against the Georgian media, which regrettably is being renewed by state institutions and high-level officials.
