Georgian cities host journalists' actions in support of "Channel 25" staff

On June 13, three Georgian cities Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Ozurgeti held rallies in support of the Batumi "Channel 25" TV Channel. The journalists were protesting in connection with threats and pressure against their colleagues.

In particular, according to media agents, after the film about the deputies of the Adzharian Supreme Council, journalist Djaba Ananidze was threatened via phone by Medeya Vasadze, Chair of the Committee on Human Rights of the Republican Supreme Council, a member of the ruling coalition "Georgian Dream". Besides, in a social network, someone has created a page with private photos insulting staff members of the "Channel 25" TV Channel.

In Tbilisi, the protest action was attended by 15 journalists. They came to the protest rally with posters reading: "Medeya Vasadze, you cannot defeat media!"

"Today, we are announcing our solidarity with Djaba Ananidze, and we are protesting against the fact of pressure on him. The incident should be investigated to rule out the possibility of encouraging slander against journalists," the "topnews.com.ge" quotes Tornike Khurtsidze, a journalist of the "TV-3" TV Channel, who took part in the protest action in Kutaisi.