I would like to discuss the issue of information in social media. I fully agree with my colleagues who have said that media literacy can help in this sphere. However, without freedom of speech and without the possibility for journalists to work freely, it will be impossible. Without traditional media and fundamental press freedom, there will be fewer opportunities to combat disinformation on social media.
It is unfortunate, but I must repeat: more than 30 Ukrainian journalists—civilian journalists, not combatants—are still imprisoned in Russia. Since our last meeting, Victoria Roshina was killed in Russia on 19th September, and we still have not even received her body. Her family continues to suffer, as they have not been provided with proper information about what happened to their daughter. The 30 journalists still imprisoned could face the same fate, so we cannot remain silent. We must act, and I sincerely hope this will be emphasized in reports and that concrete actions will follow.
But it is not only Ukrainian journalists who are suffering under Putin’s regime. According to the Anti-Imperial Bloc of Nations, indigenous journalists in Russia are also facing persecution. Airat Demirhanov from Bashkortostan, Alkan Ochiro from Kalmykia, Natalia Filonova from Buryatia, and Mikhail Afanasyev from Khakassia are all imprisoned and tortured in Russian prisons. Perhaps, instead of the so-called Russian opposition being represented here, the voices of Russia’s indigenous people should be heard.
This repression is spreading like a virus. In Georgia, we also have an imprisoned journalist, Mzia Anaglobalib, who recently ended a hunger strike due to the inhumane conditions in which she is being held.
Something must change. Only by working together can we solve this problem.
Thank you.
