The International Press Institute condemned on October 25 the Georgian authorities decision to deny Czech journalist Ray Baseley access into Georgia. The organization stressed “Georgian Authorities must end the worrying practice of barring journalists from entering Georgia.”
Baseley was denied entry into Georgia on October 22, and held for 34-hours without a phone or any personal belongings, before being sent to Warsaw in Poland. He said on his X profile that he was devastated by leaving Georgia during the crucial election and expressed his desire to return soon.
After being detained for 34 hours without any contact with the outside world at the Tbilisi Airport, I am now safe at the Warsaw airport.
I’m sorry to have to leave Georgia. These elections are important for the country and the world. I will now… pic.twitter.com/NgNkOCzppK– RayBaseley (@RayBaseley) October 24, 2024
IPI stated that “cases such as Baseley’s risk creating a calming effect on both local journalists and foreigners, whether they are currently in the country or plan to cover key developments prior, during and after the upcoming election.”
Also Read:
* 17/09/2024: Armenian Journalist denied entry to Georgia
* 16/09/2024: Belarusian Journalist Denied Access to Georgia and Faces Deportation
* 28/02/2024: Georgia Denies Entry to another Putin Critic
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