"This decision is a big obstacle to Georgia's European integration" - Khatia Dekanoidze on the fine of the Mtavari Channel
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Another punitive measure taken by the government against independent media - the decision of the Communications Commission to fine the Mtavari Channel with 118,700 GEL - was evaluated by the National Movement.
As one of the party leaders Khatia Dekanoidze says, it was not the Commission, but the Georgian Dream's decision, which once again confirms that the ruling team has no intention to fulfill the 12 recommendations of the European Commission.
"When the government of Georgia, first of all as a state, has 12 recommendations to implement and these recommendations certainly mean freedom of media, reduction of polarization and pluralism of media, in this situation the Commission on Communications violates freedom of expression. This decision is a step backward for democracy and media freedom. Of course, there is no "future electoral subject" as a legislative concept, which was actually the reason on the part of the Georgian Dream.
"The Georgian Dream uses all means to destroy critical media, and has been doing so for years. Through the execution of political justice, financial sanctions and the use of courts, the Georgian Dream oligarchic regime is trying to suppress critical media.
It should not be forgotten that the European Parliament resolution stresses the importance of media freedom on the way to democracy and European integration of the country. We must not forget that there is a political prisoner Nika Gvaramia in Georgia, who is also mentioned in the European Parliament resolution, and we must not forget that there is a criminal case against the founders or directors of all critical media outlets.
Yesterday's decision proves once again that the Georgian Dream is not going to implement any of the 12-point recommendations. This is proof that the government, which itself is financing the anti-Western campaign, is using leverage through the commission to actually silence the mainstream and other critical media outlets.
Therefore, our party considers yesterday's decision a very big obstacle in the way of Georgia's European integration. We appeal to the authorities, the obligations Georgia has to fulfill, this decision will be an even harder background for media freedom among them," Khatia Dekanoidze said.
