The current situation in Georgia, a country in the Caucasus region, is marked by ongoing protests and pressure on independent media. Here are some key points from the article:
1. **Protests continue**: The protests against the Georgian Dream government have entered their 202nd day, with protesters blocking Tbilisi’s main avenue.
2. **Journalist fined**: Opposition-leaning Formula TV journalist Anamaria Gelitashvili was fined 5,000 GEL for allegedly blocking the road while performing her professional duties.
3. **EU pressure needed**: The International Press Institute has called on the EU to exert pressure on the Georgian Dream government to end the suppression of independent journalism and uphold democratic principles and media freedom.
4. **Repressive laws**: The article mentions several repressive laws, including the FARA, the Law on Grants, and amendments to the Law on Broadcasting, which are seen as threatening independent media in Georgia.
5. **Complaints against opposition TV stations**: Authorities have filed complaints against opposition-leaning broadcasters Formula TV and TV Pirveli with the Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC), attempting to impose strict censorship.
6. **Summoned by GD commission**: Two opposition figures, Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, have been summoned again by the GD parliamentary commission investigating alleged crimes committed under the previous UNM government.
These points highlight the ongoing challenges faced by independent media and opposition figures in Georgia, as well as the pressure on journalists and politicians to conform to the government’s agenda.
