Georgian journalists demand to reinstate "Imedi' radio managers

The statement of journalists of Georgia with a demand to reinstate former managers of the "Imedi" Radio Station in their previous positions was disseminated in all media after Nona Kandiashvili, Broadcasting Director of the "Imedi", and Irakliy Khetereli, Director General, were dismissed on May 30, 2008.

"In our opinion, their dismissal was unfair and made without any objective motivation. We think that this fact is a breach of editorial independence and another fact of violent pressure on the freedom of speech. This unjustified and tendentious decision deprives the society of chances to receive high-quality and objective information," runs the journalists' statement.

The journalists of Georgia are addressing international organizations and diplomatic missions accredited in Georgia with a request to voice a proper estimate of the fact and call on their colleagues and human rights organizations to join them "in order to jointly defend the freedom of speech in Georgia."

On June 3, the office of Georgian Ombudsman will host a meeting, where journalists will confirm their solidarity in the struggle for the freedom of speech by their signatures.