**Georgian Dream’s Latest Attack on Press Freedom**
A targeted attack is underway against Batumelebi, a respected and truly independent media outlet in Georgia. This was revealed by Giorgi Gakharia, the leader of For Georgia, in a recent post on platform X.
According to Gakharia, the Georgian Dream government is once again using state institutions for political retribution. This time, they’re using the Revenue Service as a tool to punish Batumelebi and its founder, journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli. “This is not a financial dispute,” Gakharia emphasized, “but a direct attack on media freedom and a personal vendetta against Mzia Amaghlobeli.”
**A Deliberate Attempt to Silence Independent Journalism**
The move by Georgian Dream is a deliberate attempt to extinguish independent journalism in Georgia, as seen by many observers. By using state institutions to target Batumelebi, the government is sending a chilling message to other independent media outlets: toe the line or face consequences.
Gakharia’s comments highlight the worrying trend of governments worldwide using financial and economic tools to silence critics and opposition voices. In this case, it appears that Georgian Dream is willing to use any means necessary to maintain its grip on power and suppress dissenting voices in the press.
**Tax Debt: A Common Excuse for Repression**
It’s worth noting that the Revenue Service’s decision to target Batumelebi comes as pro-government propaganda media are allowed to accumulate tens of millions of lari in tax debt without any issues. This double standard is a clear example of how governments often use financial regulations and laws to silence their critics, while letting their allies off scot-free.
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