US Embassy in Tbilisi has released the statement regarding the Tbilisi City Court decision to allow the Prosecutor's Office of Georgia to enter TV Pirveli and obtain an electronic information transmission device.
"We are watching closely developments at TV Pirveli, in particular the interactions between law enforcement and members of the media. The balanced, impartial application of the rule of law and the right of journalists to safeguard their sources – a fundamental principle of media freedom - must remain priorities as this investigation is conducted. Both secret recordings and threats or intimidation are illegal, reprehensible, and should be investigated in accordance with the law. We urge all involved to approach this situation professionally and with restraint. The legal system must function in a fair and impartial manner and must not be misused to achieve political ends through selective prosecution," - the statement reads.
Yesterday, Tbilisi City Court allowed the Prosecutor's Office of Georgia to enter TV Pirveli and obtain an electronic information transmission device. An electronic transfer device was sent to TV Pirveli by a confidential source for the TV-program "Nodar Meladze’s Saturday" on March 6, which contains records of private conversations. The judge's ruling also states that the person or body conducting the investigative action has the right to use a proportionate measure in the case of resistance.
