The Media Advocacy Coalition deems inadmissible for the judicial authorities to directly interfere in the assessment and content of media editorial policy.
The coalition is deeply concerned over the dangerous precedent set by judge Tamaz Urtmelidze’s ruling on appointing temporary managers of Rustavi 2 TV, which also involves the issues of proper coverage of news stories by this media outlet and its impartial activities.
Impartial coverage of issues is a part of editorial decisions, self-regulation. Censorship is inadmissible and similar regulation creates dangerous risks for the functioning of media as an institution.
The coalition supposes that appointment of the claimant’s candidates – interested parties as the temporary managers by the court does not serve even that disputable goal, which is reflected in the judgment, in particular, ensuring the company’s management by impartial persons.
The coalition hopes that other units of the judicial authorities will give due consideration to the threats posed by the mentioned precedent to all media outlets, civil society, business and the country’s democratic development.
It is crucial to spare no efforts in order to avoid violent steps, civil confrontation, and interference with journalists’ professional activities.
