According to the Coalition for Media Advocacy (Media Coalition), the 30-day arrest of journalist Vakho Sanaia is yet another alarming example of pressure on professional journalism and freedom of expression.
“Using the judicial system to silence critical voices and punish journalists violates the fundamental principles of democracy and poses a direct threat to freedom of speech and the press in the country.
The Coalition for Media Advocacy expresses full solidarity with Vakho Sanaia, the team at Formula TV, and every journalist who, despite mounting pressure and repressive methods, continues to faithfully serve society,” the Media Coalition stated.
As a reminder, on October 19, the Tbilisi City Court sentenced Sanaia to 30 days of detention. The journalist is accused of insulting Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili and Tbilisi Sakrebulo (city council) member Lado Bozhadze. The proceedings were triggered by two posts and a video published on Vakho Sanaia’s personal Facebook page.
