TV company Formula has issued a statement condemning the arrests of its journalists, calling them an attack on independent media and an attempt to suppress critical opinion.
The statement follows the detention of Formula journalist Keta Tsitskishvili on October 20, reportedly for participating in a protest. A day earlier, Formula host Vakho Sanaia was sentenced to six days of administrative detention on similar grounds.
“Today, the regime police arrested another host of Formula, journalist Keta Tsitskishvili. The reason is presumably her participation in the rally. Yesterday, the regime court sentenced Formula host, journalist Vakho Sanaia, to six days in prison on similar grounds,” the statement reads.
Formula said it views the growing pressure and arrests of journalists as a deliberate campaign to silence dissenting media voices.
“Formula considers the increased persecution of journalists an attack against independent media, the aim of which is to suppress critical opinion,” the company stated.
The broadcaster also called on the international community to respond firmly:
“We demand the release of Keta Tsitskishvili and call on international friends to provide active support so that the regime pays the appropriate political price for persecuting critical media. Despite difficult working conditions, Formula continues to defend free speech,” the statement concludes.
