Batumi: The Media Advocacy Coalition expresses its deep sorrow over the tragedy that occurred in Batumi. In this tragic incident two young children died on the territory of the “City of Dreams” in Batumi.
While sharing their views about the alleged incident the officials of coalition said, “We express our condolences to the parents, relatives and friends of the children. On February 15, two children fell into a ditch on the territory of the “City of Dreams” and died. According to official information, the deceased were children aged 3 and 6. According to initial reports, the children fell into the pit in the area where construction work is underway, and they were searched for several hours.
The Media Advocacy Coalition also responds to the facts of illegal interference with journalistic activities while covering the tragedy that occurred in the “City of Dreams” in Batumi. The pressure on the founder of “Adjara Times”, Sulkhan Meskhidze, and the journalist of “Batumelebi”, Jaba Ananidze, which was carried out by supporters organized by the “Georgian Dream” is particularly worrying.
It is particularly worrying that journalists were illegally obstructed and threatened in carrying out their professional activities at the scene of the tragedy. The public has the full right to receive information about the circumstances that led to the death of two children. The illegal interference actions by the “Georgian Dream” aim to limit the provision of information to the public and to cover up the responsibility of possible perpetrators.
This is not the first time that the Georgian Dream, with the help of the police, illegal formations or supporters has attempted to physically abuse and illegally interfere with media representatives in the performance of their professional duties. No one has been held accountable for these crimes. Since November 28, 2024, more than a hundred cases of physical violence, illegal interference with professional activities, damage to equipment or threats have been recorded.
Mzia Amaglobeli, the co-founder and head of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, has been illegally detained for more than a month and is a prisoner of conscience of the current regime. Ms. Mzia has been on a hunger strike since her arrest.
