The Public Defender of Georgia echoes the denial of access for certain media representatives to the meeting held yesterday in Tbilisi between opposition parties and the former Lithuanian Foreign Minister.

The Ombudsman has at various times assessed the practice of denying access for critical media representatives to the briefings or municipal events organized by state agencies and/or the practice of not inviting them.

The Public Defender emphasizes the special function of the media to disseminate information in the field of public interest, which, in turn, is a necessary condition for the awareness of society and formation of a democratic state.

The Ombudsman, within the framework of his mandate, will examine the above-mentioned case and calls on all parties to ensure equal access for media representatives to the events that are of public interest, so as not to restrict the public’s right to receive comprehensive information.