On 11th April 2021, it was reported that the Ministry of Interior representatives are barring journalists from working in Namokhvani. Police at Gumati crossing stopped all film crews, preventing them from moving. The tents of the ‘Guardians of Rioni’ were dismantled by police today, citing the likely flooding of Rioni River. We are yet to understand why the limitations on the work of journalists were put in place.
The member organisations of the Media Advocacy Coalition call on the Ministry of Interior to act in view of the high public interest in the ongoing events in Namokhvani.
In a crisis situation, we believe it is crucial to allow journalists to report freely on developments and to uphold the public’s right to be fully informed about the ongoing events in Namokhvani.
