Media.ge, Tbilisi, 26 Dec 2008 – Giorgi Vekua, Tsalenjikha Minicipality Sakrebulo deputy of the governing United National Movement demands the local regional authorities to quit exerting pressure upon the local Jikha TV.
According to Human Rights Center speaking at the December 24 Sakrebulo sitting Vekua referred to the representatives of the authorities exerting pressure upon Jikha TV staff, imposing censorship and taking part in editing material as “mediainquisitors”.
Vekua cited the fact when the video record featuring Sakrebulo members meeting with majoritarian MP was aired “chopped”.
“In fact none of the problematic issues discussed at the meeting has been aired. The population, having no information on the situation in the municipality is living in total informational vacuum. Few TV stories in favor of several representatives of the authorities are being aired, and not the ones featuring that the majority of Tsalenjikha population is hungry, thirsty, cold and their houses are falling apart due to natural calamity and we are unable to render them assistance,” Vekua said.
According to Kakha Kvaratskhelia, Jikha TV Director General the channel holds to the “neutral position”.
“We are just cautious, we cannot start oppositional movements. We and, in general, nobody is willing to have conflict with this government or with anyone. We are just compatible with the current circumsatnces, we do not aggravate the situation, on the contrary, we do regulate it,” Kvaratskhelia pointed out.
Giorgi Vekua, Human Rights Center reported, interceded for Jikha TV at the Sakrebulo sitting in the course of which a new Gamgebeli was elected. Vekua had nominated himself for the post but afterwards withdrew it in protest. Majority of Sakrebulo members, he said, is willing to support him but unfortunately “they enjoy no possibility to make free choice.”
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