"Lift the ban on access to the occupation line and surrounding villages"

Non-governmental organizations are protesting against the ban on the access of the media, civil society, and politicians to in and around the occupation line. They ask the Government to lift this blanket ban. In their view, objective criteria that do not go beyond legal restrictions on freedom of movement and expression should be developed. According to civil society representatives, it is unacceptable to restrict this right without assessment of individual risks and justifications.

"We see that an arbitrary traffic restriction regime has been introduced. Obviously, we understand that due to security measures there may be some legal restrictions, but these restrictions must be in line with the eligibility criteria. Obviously, we understand that due to security measures there may be some legal restrictions, but these restrictions must be in line with the eligibility standards," said Tamta Mikeladze, EMC's Director for Equality Programs.

According to the petitioners, the authorities justify the restrictions on movement by the need to maintain security and at the same time avoid provocation, although talking about security while hundreds of people live in these villages is incomprehensible.