The Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC) said being under serious attack by certain forces, indicating the situation in the media space has worsened after the July 5-6 events.

GOC released a statement on Thursday that reads the norms of journalistic ethics are grossly violated, and there is still a public demonstration of psychological violence and obstruction of civil peace, which for some reason remains unnoticed by embassies and the non-governmental sector.

GOC also wrote that the media recently had been “extremely aggressive”, especially the journalists of Mtavari Arkhi (Main Channel), TV Pirveli and Formula.

“Instead of doing objective coverage, journalists of these TV channels (we think, acting on their supervisors’ orders) often voice subjective assessments and groundless accusations, deliberately distort facts and try to make respondents lose control with provocative questions. Afterwards, air stories using taken out of context (pieces) so that viewers perceive clergy as being violent,” reads the statement.

Keeping this in mind, the Georgian Patriarchate advised the clergy could apply in writing to the management of TV channels to inform of the unwillingness to communicate with their journalists.

“It is also advisable to place an appropriate notice at the entrance to the temple courtyard. In case of non-compliance with the request, the police are obliged to restrict the movement of such journalists in your area!” the statement said.