February, 2004. IAGJ activist and other journalists from independent newspapers, TV and Radio companies marched down a major avenue carrying a coffin that they said symbolized the death of a free press. New York Times

Police breaks up peaceful action of journalists in Tbilisi

Police unleashed fury on the protest action of journalists. They broke up the gathering of journalists in front of the Parliament and then blocked the way to another group carrying the coffin to the State Chancellery. Police resorted to force to throw the coffin into the yard of the Palace of Young People located next to the Parliament building.

On February 19, 11 am, under the order issued by Irakli Orkuashvili, Prosecutor General of Georgia a special-purpose unit broke into the offices of Iberia, an independent TV station, Akhali Epoka newspaper and Media News agency to conduct search operations. Journalists of the Iberia TV station claim they damaged technical devices of the company and insulted its employees. After 6 hours police thwarted the peaceful action of journalists conducted on the initiative of a IAGJ members and Georgian Times reporters in front of Parliament building. (IAGJ)