In a move widely seen as another step against free media in Georgia, the National Communications Commission, Georgia’s communications regulator, ruled in favour of an appeal by Georgian Dream that sued three opposition TV stations – Formula TV, Mtavari and TV Pirveli – for airing clips for a pro-EU and pro-Ukraine rally on June 23-25 of this year.
The GNCC decided to reprimand Formula and Pirveli while fining Mtavari with 118,000GEL.
Mtavari’s CEO Nika Gvaramia is in jail in case Amnesty International has described as “political.”
The GNCC is nominally independent but has consistently been accused of acting as a government tool.
The clip in question called to join a pro-EU rally where citizens called for implementation of reforms as prescribed by the European Commission. The clip also included quotes from the Government officials, demonstrating reluctant attitude towards the question of EU membership.
Georgian Dream argued that the video clip could be aired only in the official pre-election period.
In an earlier statement, Media Advocacy Coalition, a group of reputable NGOs said GD’s move is in fact a “punitive measure” and is aimed at further limiting critical opinions and directed against media outside the Government control.
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