By the initiative of the media ombudsman, the Special Investigative Service held a working meeting with members of the media advocacy coalition

By the initiative of the media ombudsman, the Special Investigative Service held a working meeting with members of the media advocacy coalition

The Special Investigation Service, in collaboration with representatives of non-governmental organizations,members of the media advocacy coalition, conducted a working meeting regarding investigating facts of unlawful interference with the journalist’s professional activities.

The Special Investigation Service was launched on March 1, 2022 with an increased mandate of investigation, which includes the investigation of the facts of ill-treatment committed by law enforcement officers, as well as disclosure of secrets of personal life, unlawful interference with the journalist’s professional activities, restriction of freedom of speech and other facts against human rights and freedom.

During the meeting, Levan Verulashvili, Deputy Head of the Investigation Department presented the results of 2022-2023 activities, focusing on statistical data. Significant attention was given to the investigation statistics related to cases of ill-treatment by law enforcement officers, unlawful interference with the journalist’s professional activities and opened cases in that direction.

The Special Investigation Service's prompt response to crimes against journalismwas emphasized. Throughout the year, investigations were initiated for 12 criminal cases. Criminal prosecution was launched against 8 persons for unlawfully interfering with the journalists’ professional activities. The members of the Media Advocacy Coalition were provided with detailed information about each case, including an explanation of the journalists' involvement in the investigative process.

Furthermore, the Special Investigation Service provided updates to non-governmental organizations regarding the ongoing investigation into the actions held on March 7-9.

During the working meeting, Levan Kutateladze, the Head of the Investigation Quality Monitoring and Analytical Department of the SIS, delivered a presentation on measures underdertaken to improve the legal rights of victims. He outlined guideline developed based on recommendations of the European Court, which allow victims to access and familiarize themselves with case materials from the first day to ensure transparency of the investigation process. Statistics on the utilization of this right were also presented, indicating that approximately one hundred individuals have used this opportunity.

At the end of the event, members of the Media Advocacy Coalition had the chance to ask questions to representatives of the Special Investigation Service regarding their activities and challenges.

Collaboration and accountability with human rights organizations have remained essential priorities for the Special Investigation Service since its establishment. Accordingly, the Service actively plans to participate in future cooperative events to further  promote openness and transparency of the investigative process.