**International Groups Call on EU to Act Against Georgia’s Media Crackdown**
On December 12, several international groups concerned with media freedom and human rights issued a letter to the leaders of European Union institutions. The groups expressed deep concern about violence by Georgian authorities against journalists.
The organizations addressed the letter to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Council, António Costa, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. They called on EU leaders to use their influence to stop the repression of journalists in Georgia.
The letter noted that the Georgian government’s crackdown on media has resulted in over 90 media workers being targeted, with most representing critical media outlets. The groups said this is not an isolated incident but part of a broader deterioration of press freedom and targeted violence against journalists.
**Key Demands**
The organizations made three key demands:
1. Provide a safe environment for all journalists to report on protests without obstruction.
2. Guarantee the safety of all journalists, including providing them with necessary equipment, training, and protection.
3. Ensure accountability for those responsible for crimes against journalists, through transparent investigations and appropriate sanctions.
**Call to Action**
The signatory organizations urged EU leaders to place effective pressure on the Georgian authorities to stop the crackdown and ensure accountability. They also called on the EU to demand that the ruling party respect journalists’ right to report on ongoing demonstrations without fear of violence or reprisal.
**Signatory Organizations**
The letter was signed by several prominent international groups, including:
* International Press Institute (IPI)
* European Center for Press and Media Freedoms (ECPMF)
* European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
* Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
* OBC Transeuropa (OBCT)
* ARTICLE 19 Europe
* Justice for Journalists Foundation (JFJ)
* Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
* European Broadcasting Union (EBU)
* Index on Censorship
* PEN International
Read More @ civil.ge