We appeal to the president to pardon Nika Gvaramia - statement of Georgian doctors living in America

Georgian doctors living in the USA declare their support for "Nika Gvaramia's Freedom Movement" and appeal to the President of Georgia to pardon the Director General of "Mtavari Channel". According to them, this will be a clear statement of our country's aspiration towards Western values and will bring Georgia one step closer to the big European family.

Here is the statement:

Georgia is waiting for the candidate status from the European Union, and the historical goal of Georgia being a part of the European family is now closer to being realized than ever. At the same time, we know that the final decision of the European Union depends on the fulfillment of the 12 demands that were put to Georgia in June 2022. The 7th of the mentioned requirements refers to the freedom of media, existence of critical media and media pluralism. This clause states that proceedings against media managers must meet the highest standards. The very existence of this entry in the 7th request is most likely caused by the arrest of Nika Gvaramia, the founder of the critical media, "Mtavari Channel", media manager, member of the Bar Association, on completely absurd and artificially fabricated charges a few days before the decision of the European Commission. In April, the European Commission will evaluate the fulfillment of the 12 recommendations made to Georgia, and it will largely depend on this evaluation whether Georgia will receive the candidate status in the fall of 2023. We, Georgian doctors living in the United States of America, fully support "Nika Gvaramia's Freedom Movement" and appeal to the President of Georgia to pardon Nika Gvaramia, which will be a clear statement of our country's aspiration to Western values and will bring Georgia one step closer to the big European family.

The statement is signed by: