Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics approved the complaint made against author and host of “Archevani”, show on media channel “Rustavi 2”, Giorgi Gabunia by “Young Barristers”. As it is known from statement of Charter of ethics, made on August 1^st, 2014, council considers, that out of 3 articles, journalist Giorgi Gabunia violated articles 1 and 5:

• Article 1: “Journalist should respect the truth and the will of society – accepting the right information”
• Article 5: “media is responsible to correct the inaccurate information, which leads society into misunderstanding.”

Journalist Giorgi Gabunia, on April 8^th, 2014, during the interview with the first guest in the show, Minister of Defense of Georgia, Irakli Alania, to show that a certain group in government has deliberate antagonistic campaign and that there are certain non-governmental organizations, who amplify this position, “Young Barristers” were mentioned among such organizations. In addition to that, the journalist aired a fraud information, saying that “Young Barristers” were working under the patronage of Ministry of International Affairs, although, the journalist does not have any concrete document about the validity of this information.

The organization states, that decision of Gerogian Charter of Journalistic Ethics is important and another step forward for establishing journalistic standards in Georgia. Despite that only the resolution is known, it can be confirmed, that journalist, on April 8, 2014, deliberately aired fraud information about “Young Barristers” during the interview with minister of defense, did not respect the truth and public rights, to get precise information about the topic/discussion. In addition to this, it is confirmed with the decision, that media company “Rustavi 2” was responsible, to correct essentialy incorrect information. Media company chose to ignore letter from the organization sent on April 10^th, 2014, and did not correct the deliberate mistake of it’s’ journalist. In addition to this, commission of ethics was provided with the information, that organization was not given the chance to state its’ position any other way, while the media company was attending the briefing and there were no further broadcasts.

It is still unknown for “Young Barristers”, on what basis did Charte of Journalistic Ethics not share the violation of 3^rd article, when “journalist should transmit the information only if the source of the facts is validated. Journalist should not hide important fact, should not fraud any documents and information”, but we note, that charter could confirm the violation of journalistic standards in the most essential part, when media company and journalist did not respect the truth and public right, get precise information about organization’s connection and activities.

„Young Barristers“ addressed Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics with complaint against Giorgi Gabunia on May 2, 2014. Commission of Ethics made a hearing on July 26, 2014. Neither Giorgi Gabunia, nor his legal defendant was present at the meeting. Resolution on the case was stated on August 1^st, 2014.