**Government’s Double Standards Exposed in Parliamentary Commission**
A recent session of the parliamentary commission headed by Minister of Justice, Ms. Tsulukiani, has raised eyebrows due to its selective approach to a sensitive topic – the shutdown of media outlets Omega and TV Iberia.
According to former Member of Parliament Nato Chkheidze, who was present at the session, a journalist was invited to share his experience of working for TV Iberia before it was shut down by the government in 2004. The commission members listened with apparent empathy as he recounted the violent raid on the media outlet’s offices and the subsequent job losses.
However, what caught attention was that the commission seemed reluctant to investigate a similar incident involving Omega – another powerful media group – which was also shut down by the Georgian Dream government in 2018. Despite lawsuits being heard in London’s High Court and Stockholm arbitration, no similar interest or investigation was shown by the commission members.
**A Tale of Two Shutdowns**
The same commission members who expressed shock and outrage at the 2004 shutdown of TV Iberia under the UNM government suddenly showed no interest in the 2018 shutdown of Omega under Georgian Dream. They even went so far as to downplay the significance of the latter incident, while conveniently omitting key details such as the denial of compensation by their own courts.
**Selective Hearing**
Former Ombudsman Giorgi Tsereteli pointed out during the session that an international actor like Walter Schwimmer had spoken out against the 2004 shutdown of TV Iberia. However, no similar interest was shown in hearing from Omega’s founder or management about the 2018 shutdown.
**Conclusion**
The commission members’ performative empathy and emotional expressions during the session were seen as a farce by many, who point to the selective approach to addressing a serious human rights issue – the shutdown of media outlets. As one observer noted, “Eventually, the cases in London and Stockholm will conclude. Then, this government will also be done. And then… another parliamentary commission will come.”
**What’s Next?**
The truth about the shutdowns and their aftermath is expected to surface once again in future commissions. The public will likely see through the selective approach taken by current commission members and demand a more thorough investigation into the actions of both UNM and Georgian Dream governments.
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**Source: Interpressnews.ge**
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