GYLA believes that the government has a positiver obligation to promote freedom of media within the frames of its authority, which, first and foremost, should translate into elimination of direct and indirect factors that may hinder dissemination of free speech.

GYLA shares the concern of Press Association over the fact that the form of auction carried out by the City Hall for placement of booths within the frames of free competition is nothing more than a form of indirect restriction of circulation of print media. It is unacceptible that licensing conditions for operating booths to sell food or newspaper are identical, without any differentiation.

According to the information released by Press Association, the decision made by Tbilisi City Hall will have a negative impact on circulation of newspapers and magazines, and has inflicted significant detriment to print media which is already in a diffical situation.

Based on the consequences, GYLA deems it vital to for the City Hall to respond adequately and take meaningful measures in order to promote enabling environment for press distribution as much as possible.