The de facto authorities in Georgia’s breakaway territory of South Ossetia/Tskhinvali Region must stop any “criminal” proceedings against two local outspoken journalists, Tamara Mearakishvili and Irina Kelekhsaeva. The de facto authorities should refrain from using any other retaliatory measures against these and any of their critics and ensure that any person in South Ossetia/Tskhinvali Region is able to exercise their right to freedom of expression, without harassment, intimidation, risk to personal freedom and fear of any reprisals.