TV Formula demands immediate release of journalist Sanaia, calls on int’l community for support

Domestic television channel Formula on Sunday issued a statement regarding the detention of its journalist and TV host Vakho Sanaia.

“Today, the regime’s police detained Formula’s host and journalist Vakho Sanaia. He is reportedly being accused of participating in a protest under the new repressive laws. Formula considers his detention an act of intimidation against the journalist and independent media as a whole by the regime.

In this repressive environment, with extreme restrictions on civil rights, the violation of media freedom becomes even more apparent. This comes ahead of October 20, when senior EU diplomats are scheduled to discuss the situation in Georgia, including pressure on the media.

Sanaia is the host of the main news programme and was preparing for a broadcast at the time of his detention.

We demand his immediate release and call on the international community to provide support,” the statement reads.

Sanaia was reportedly detained for allegedly blocking a road.