Memory and Disinformation Studies

IDFI Partner Discusses Open Archives in Belarus

On February 4, 2019, a briefingand discussion for journalists was held at the Belarusian Documentation Centre at which the openness of state archives and the publicity of data about repressed people were discussed. The initiator and organizer of the event was the researcher of the Belarusian Documentation Centre and the partner of the project “Enhancing Openness of State Archives in the Former Soviet and Eastern Bloc Countries” by the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI), Dmitry Drozd.

Results of the International Conference - Openness of State Archives and Memory Studies

2nd International Conference – Openness of State Archives and Memory Studies

On December 5-6, The Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) organized the 2^nd international conference - Openness of State Archives and Memory Studies.

Presentation of the Memorial Album of Nikoloz (Karlo) Chkheidze

On November 25, the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) in collaboration with the National Library of Georgia held the presentation of the memorial album about the life and work of a prominent public figure of the First Republic of Georgia, Nikoloz (Karlo) Chkheidze. The album includes the archival and photo materials that have not been published before, extensive annotations and the details of Karlo Chkheidze’s biography and public work.

Meeting with the Director of the European Network Remembrance and Solidarity (ENRS)

On 20 November, the Director of the European Network Remembrance and Solidarity (ENRS), Rafal Rogulski and the representatives from Hungary, Germany and the Baltic countries visited the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI).

Stalinism in Soviet Schools and the Pupils' Case

After Stalin became the leader of the Soviet Union, speedy reforms of the Soviet schools and educational system began. Since the day of its foundation, USSR had been endeavoring to create a centralized educational system which would be based on the Marxist principles and would bring up the new Soviet citizens according to the Communist ideals. During Stalin’s rule, these processes achieved a whole new level and similarly to the other spheres, became a subject to totalitarian control.

On the Mass Burial Site of the Victims of the Soviet Repressions Discovered in Batumi

Studies of the stories of the repressed persons, their proper commemoration and immortalization is an important and urgent issue in the post-Soviet region. 

Parliament of Georgia Discussed IDFI’s Legislative Proposal on Archival Openness

On 30 August 2019, at the session of the Legal Issues Committee, the Parliament of Georgia discussed the legislative proposal on the amendments in the laws on the National Archival Fund and the National Archives and on the Personal Data Protection presented by the Executive Director of the nonprofit organization Institute for Development of Freedom of Information, Giorgi Kldiashvili (N1-7153/19; 10.04.2019).

Tbilisi City Court Fully Granted the Appeal of IDFI against the National Archives of Georgia

In the decision of April 4, 2019, the Tbilisi City Court fully granted the appeal of the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) against the National Archives of Georgia – LEPL of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia. The court ordered the respondent party to disclose information on the number of applications received with the request of accessing archival documents and relevant decisions taken. The National Archives of Georgia was directed to disclose the information even though they did not process the statistical data requested by IDFI.

IDFI Opened Memorial Plates in Kaspi Municipality

IDFI in cooperation with the Kaspi Municipality opened  memorial plates in honor of theMembers of the National Councils and the Constituent Assembly of the First Democratic Republic of Georgia: Leo and Grigol Natadze, Nikoloz Katsiashvili and Revaz Gabashvili in the central square of KaspiMunicipality.