Georgian journalist asks for asylum in South Ossetia
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 5 September 2009 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Georgian journalist asks for asylum in South Ossetia, 5 September 2009, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4aaf5c7d2d.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 05, 2009
TBILISI – A Georgian journalist known for his criticism of Georgian authorities during the war against Russia has asked for political asylum in the Russian-backed breakaway region of South Ossetia, RFE/RL's Russian Service reports.
Levan Gudadze and members of his family are currently in South Ossetia. He says that he had to leave Georgia to escape persecution for his views and journalistic activities.
Gudadze used to work for many online and print media outlets.
His former colleague, Gulbaat Rtsikhladze, confirmed to RFE/RL that Gudadze had recently received threats from unknown individuals and in the end believe he had no choice but to leave Georgia proper.
Officials in Georgia's Interior Ministry said they were not aware of Gudadze's decision to emigrate and called reports of his persecution speculation.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website