**US Senator Calls Out Georgia Government’s Crackdown on Independent Media**
The Georgian government’s plans to silence independent media outlets have been condemned by US Senator Jeanne Shaheen. In a statement, Shaheen, the Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed her deep concern over the government’s move to use the Georgian National Communications Commission to target TV Formula, TV Pirveli and TV Mtavari.
Independent media is the backbone of any healthy democracy. When the government starts using laws to silence critics, it raises red flags. The Broadcasting Law, which was amended by the Georgian Dream (GD) government earlier this year, has been seen as a tool to suppress independent voices in Georgia. Now, with the GD filing complaints against these media outlets, it’s clear that they won’t be judged on their journalistic standards but rather targeted for political reasons.
“This is an attack on democracy,” Shaheen said. “The Georgian Dream government’s crusade against truthful reporting is a threat to the very foundations of our democratic institutions.” The Senator has called upon the Senate to take up the bipartisan MEGOBARI Act, which aims to support the people of Georgia and hold their government accountable for its actions.
**What Does it Mean?**
For those who may not be familiar with the situation in Georgia, here’s a brief rundown. The Georgian Dream government has been accused of suppressing peaceful protests and using force against civilians. In response, the US Senate introduced the MEGOBARI Act earlier this year, which aims to support the people of Georgia and reaffirm US support for their Euro-Atlantic integration.
Senator Shaheen’s statement highlights the gravity of the situation in Georgia. The government’s actions are not only a threat to the country’s democracy but also to its relations with the international community. The MEGOBARI Act is seen as a crucial step towards holding the Georgian government accountable and supporting the people’s right to free press and peaceful protest.
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