The Statement of the Coalition for Media Advocacy on the fact of Irakli Abandze’s detention

According to the information released today, the Ministry of Internal Affairs detained Irakli Absandze, editor of the politics unit of the “Liberali” Magazine, who was suspected for drug procurement, storage and transportation as per Article 260, Para 1 of the Penal Code of Georgia envisaging imprisonment for up to 11 years term.

As Gagi Mosiashvili, Irakli Absnadze’s lawyer reports, Irakli received a parcel from his friend which allegedly turned to be Marihuana. Irakli did not know what was in the parcel- the lawyer declared.

Taking into consideration our colleague’s personal features, high professionalism and untarnished reputation the Coalition for Media Advocacy calls on the Ministry of Interior to conduct investigation on the case in maximally open and objective manner. In addition, we urge the Minister of Interior and the General Prosecutor of Georgia to take examination of the case on their personal control.

Furthermore, we ask for opportunity to have comprehensive and impartial monitoring at all stages of investigation.

ჯ. კახიძის #15, თბილისი, საქართველო, 0102 ; ტელ: (995 32) 95 23 53; ფაქსი: (995 32) 92 32 11; ელ-ფოსტა: gyla@gyla.ge; www.gyla.ge
15, J. Kakhidze str. 0102, Tbilisi, Georgia. Tel: (995 32) 95 23 53; Fax: (995 32) 92 32 11; E-mail: gyla@gyla.ge; www.gyla.ge