OSCE media freedom representative in Georgia to discuss TV station closure

VIENNA, 22 November 2007 - Miklos Haraszti, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, is in the Georgian capital Tbilisi today to discuss the media situation, in particular the recent closure of television station Imedi. It is a joint visit with Peter Semneby, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus.

"Imedi is an alternative source of information, the presence of which is part of Georgia's pluralistic media landscape. Access to a diverse spectrum of news is especially important in view of the upcoming presidential elections," said Haraszti.

The Representative met yesterday in Vienna with Nino Burjanadze, the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, who will temporarily assume the presidency during the run-up to the presidential elections scheduled for 5 January.

Haraszti expects to meet with government representatives, politicians, lawyers, and media professionals in Tbilisi, including Imedi management and staff.

The broadcasting license of Imedi TV was suspended by the National Communications Commission for three months following a court decision taken on 8 November. Imedi was accused of anti-governmental activities after a police raid on the station's premises on 7 November.

Haraszti will hold a press conference in Tbilisi at the end of his visit on Friday, 23 November. Journalists interested in attending are requested to contact the OSCE Mission to Georgia for details.