The So-Called “Cyanide Case” In Georgian Media

Abstract

Religion and related aspects are a very sensitive issue both in Georgia and in the world. Consequently, incorrect coverage of such issues may lead to the escalation of strong public controversy and conflicts. As the media is generally considered to be the best tool for shaping public opinion, the journalist must take into account ethical norms and relevant legislation in the process of covering these issues as well as be guided by internationally accepted standards of religious coverage.

Digesting religious topics and preparing a media product on related issues have become especially persistent in Georgia in recent years, as the number of religious crises and conflicts has increased significantly. In this regard, our paper is dedicated to exploring one of the crucial events in Georgia: the so-called “Cyanide Case”. We will endeavor to reveal the angle from which the Georgian media covered the crisis.

As unimaginable as it may seem, it was the manner of the request for the accused clergyman to receive the rite of communion, including the making of this request by atheist celebrities at the rally, that triggered the discrimination against the church. It is noteworthy that after calling for providing Giorgi Mamaladze with the communion, the attack on the church continued with another request to make a demand to His Holiness and Beatitude Illia II of Georgia to mediate with the President to grant a pardon to the Dean in parallel with the deteriorating health of the clergyman. In due time, they were forced to at least acknowledge the power of the Patriarch’s word. One could not easily forget one simple detail of Georgian law providing for the initiation of early release due to deteriorating health; though, the authors of this request needed to create the image of a persecuted person by the church through the arrested Dean.