It is up to the President to decide whether to pardon Nika Gvaramia or not, we are following this case carefully - Herczynski

Ambassador of the European Union in Georgia, Pavel Herczynski , says that it is up to the President to pardon the Director General of "Mtavari Channel". According to him, one of the 12 recommendations of the European Union is protection of media freedom.

Speaking to journalists, Herczynski said that Nika Gvaramia's case and other cases are being followed with great attention.

"It is up to the President to pardon Mr. Gvaramia or not. We all know that pardoning prisoners is her constitutional right. I cannot make any other comments. You know that one of the 12 recommendations is to protect the freedom of the media, because freedom of speech and expression is one of the principles, on which the European Union is based. We are following these and other cases very closely. There is still time before the European Commission publishes its opinion. Professionalism and complete independence of judges, as well as a healthy and independent judiciary are also among the 12 recommendations of the European Union. We are working together with the Georgian side, together with the Ministry of Justice of Georgia, to carry out the necessary reforms in the justice system. Progress will be assessed in the European Commission report later this year," - said Herczynski.