The member organizations of the Media Advocacy Coalition deem restricting Internet availability in Namokhvani as inadmissible.
It is crucial to remind the authorities that the Constitution of Georgia protects the right to unrestricted Internet access. In light of the current protests in Namokhvani, it is unacceptable to unjustifiably restrict the rights guaranteed by the constitution, given the high public interest.
As per reports, “the Ministry of Internal Affairs also disrupted internet connections in Namokhvani today, making live connection impossible.”
According to locals, such an interruption in internet access has not occurred in Namokhvani previously. “Communication signal suppressing equipment has been installed in the valley, making it challenging, and sometimes impossible, to receive timely information about events. This significantly violates the freedoms of assembly and demonstration, along with freedom of speech and expression”.
We urge Georgia’s Minister of Interior:
– to clarify the illegal restriction of freedom of expression;
– to take prompt action to guarantee the availability of the Internet, enabling individuals in Namokhvani to exercise their right to access and share information, and for journalists to perform their professional duties under suitable conditions.
We call upon the Communications Commission to investigate the problem of internet disruption in Namokhvani and provide information on the current state of affairs.
