**Georgian Politician Responds to UK Ambassador’s Concerns**
In a statement made today, Georgian Dream MP Davit Matikashvili expressed his disagreement with British Ambassador Gareth Ward’s message on World Press Freedom Day. The ambassador had raised concerns about incidents of abuse against journalists and the government’s attempts to restrict free media in Georgia.
According to Matikashvili, this kind of attitude from a foreign diplomat is “laughable”. He argued that Georgia has adopted the UK’s model for regulating media outlets, known as the BBC model. This suggests that the country is committed to upholding high standards of freedom of speech and expression.
However, Matikashvili also criticized European ambassadors for not reacting strongly enough to what he called “bullying” of certain TV companies in Georgia. He implied that this highlights double standards on the European continent.
**Freedom of Speech Under Attack?**
Matikashvili’s statement raises questions about the state of freedom of speech and expression in Georgia. While the country has a reputation for having one of the highest levels of press freedom, there have been concerns about government attempts to restrict media outlets and silence critics.
The UK ambassador’s message on World Press Freedom Day highlights these concerns. By speaking out against incidents of abuse against journalists and the government’s efforts to control the media, Ambassador Ward is putting pressure on the Georgian government to respect its citizens’ right to free speech.
**Commentary**
This exchange between Matikashvili and the UK ambassador reflects a deeper tension in Georgia between the government’s desire for control and the need for a free press. While it is true that Georgia has adopted the BBC model, this does not necessarily mean that the country is living up to its ideals of freedom of speech.
In fact, there have been reports of government pressure on independent media outlets, as well as incidents of violence against journalists. The UK ambassador’s message should be seen as a call for the Georgian government to respect its citizens’ rights and ensure a free and unfettered press.
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