Prepared by Messenger Staff
GYLA Calls for Information on Temur Katamadze's Health as Hunger Strike Reaches 26 Days
The Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA) has raised concerns over the lack of information regarding the health condition of Temur Katamadze, a Batumi-based flag bearer who has been on a hunger strike for 26 days at the temporary detention center of the Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
According to the association, relevant agencies have failed to provide updates on his condition. The Public Defender's Office, which was notified of Katamadze's health status, reviewed his medical documentation and identified the need for further medical examinations. However, it was noted that the office did not receive the necessary medical documents on time.
"The state is responsible for the life and health of the detainee, as he is under its control. Any deterioration in Temur Katamadze's health or serious consequences will fall entirely on the state's shoulders," the statement emphasized.
GYLA is calling on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to urgently provide information regarding the tests being conducted on Katamadze and an update on his health condition.
Zourabichvili Promises to Bring Georgia's Media Struggles to Munich
The 5th President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, recently met with media representatives to address the challenging situation facing the press in Georgia. After the meeting, Zourabichvili shared that media managers had briefed her on the difficulties the media is experiencing before her departure for Munich.
"I will convey their messages in Munich," Zourabichvili stated, emphasizing her commitment to representing the concerns of the Georgian media on the international stage.
The meeting was attended by representatives from television stations, online outlets, and regional media.
"These meetings, which I initiated, serve a dual purpose," Zourabichvili explained. "When I go to Munich, I won't just be representing myself as President of Georgia, but I will also bring the concerns of our society and its challenges with me, across all sectors of the country."
She also expressed her desire to establish platforms within her administration that collaborate with various segments of society. "For example, I previously met with diplomats and created a diplomatic club. Today, meeting with media managers was a crucial step in understanding how we can work together to strengthen Georgian media at a time when it faces significant pressure."
Zourabichvili stressed the importance of supporting the media in the face of increasing challenges, noting that authoritarian regimes often target both society and the press. "Every dictatorial regime that seeks to consolidate power has two main targets - society and the media," she said.
She reassured that her efforts to support the media would continue beyond her trip to Munich. "I will take their messages with me, but this is just the beginning. We will have regular meetings, and, of course, Mzia Amaglobeli will be one of the key topics. She has become a symbol of freedom of speech and the mounting pressure on regional media," Zourabichvili concluded.
