Preparing for Dictatorship - Initiatives of the main media censor and the President
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According to the amendments to the Law on Broadcasting and Electronic Communications, the regulatory commission has the right to directly interfere in the editorial policy of TV companies and give all this the force of law.
For example, if Kakha Bekauri does not like any of the media outlets, he could impose fine on a TV station, and whether or not a particular TV station would appeal the decision, the regulatory commission would have the right to appoint a special manager for 2 years. This is a clear example of how the North Korean model that can be applied in Georgia - stated Tamta Muradashvili, a lawyer for the Mtavari Channel, while assessing Bekauri's initiative.
According to the lawyer, the appointment of an interim governor serves to silence the critical media before the elections. According to the new amendments, if the commission makes a decision it no longer matters whether the party will appeal to the court since the commission's decision will automatically be binding, although it may be illegal. In addition, the commission is given the right to appoint special managers in the media to implement its decision for a period of up to two years, - said Tamta Muradashvili.
Another draft of the amendments, which was registered at today's session of the Bureau, exactly coincides with the period when the Government and opposition parties are to conduct an electoral campaign before the decisive elections and comprises the period when a second round may be held in the country.
President Zurabishvili has presented an initiative to the parliament, which will extend the right of Prime Minister Gakharia to declare a state of emergency until the New Year. There is talk of a change in the law on public health, according to which the government has the right to declare a state of emergency without the consent of the Parliament, ie to take a decision on restrictions- impose a quarantine, restrict freedom of assembly and lock people in their homes.
We would like to remind you that the amendments were adopted by the Parliament in May, but after the opposition's protest a concrete date for the amendments was set - July 15, but today, 9 days before the expiry of this period, the amendments will be extended until January 1 at the initiative of the ruling party.
The opposition is confident that the government will try to control the situation during the elections and limit the number of protests on behalf of the pandemic.
