OSCE media representative concerned by violence against journalists in Georgia

VIENNA, 27 May 2011 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, today called upon the Georgian authorities to ensure that journalists can safely perform their professional duties at all times.

In a letter to Georgian Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze, Mijatović expressed her concern over reports that law enforcement officers assaulted journalists who were covering the break up of an opposition rally in Tbilisi on the night of 25 to 26 May.

Despite being clearly identifiable as members of the press, at least ten Georgian and foreign reporters were verbally and physically abused by police officers. Some were detained for questioning, others had their press cards taken away, and their equipment damaged or confiscated.   

“The fact that the police would abuse, detain and question reporters engaged in their professional duties is worrisome,” Mijatović said. “Law enforcement agencies should not hinder the activities of journalists, but protect them and ensure that the media can operate freely in a safe environment.”