**Georgia’s Government Takes a Step Towards Dictatorship, NGOs Say**
The Georgian government has been accused of trying to silence critical media outlets and take another step towards dictatorship. A group of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and media groups have released a statement expressing their strong concern over the complaints filed by the ruling party, Georgian Dream, against several leading critical broadcasters.
**Censorship and Intimidation**
The complaint filed by Georgian Dream accuses TV Pirveli, Formula, Mtavari TV, and others of “biased coverage,” “spreading disinformation,” and “lack of balance.” However, these media outlets are simply exercising their right to freedom of expression and investigative journalism. The NGOs say that the government’s move is a clear attempt to intimidate critical media and suppress independent journalism.
**Why This Is a Problem**
The NGOs point out that this is not an isolated incident but part of a broader repressive policy aimed at silencing independent voices. They list several examples, including physical and verbal attacks on journalists, smear campaigns against media outlets, financial pressure, and deteriorating legislation designed to stigmatize foreign-funded media.
**International Standards Violated**
The NGOs argue that the government’s actions violate international standards for freedom of expression. Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights protects the right to criticize public figures, while UN Human Rights Committee General Comment No. 34 recognizes the media as a key instrument for ensuring political accountability.
**Call for International Support**
The NGOs call on international partners and organizations to condemn the government’s abuse of regulatory instruments against independent media. They demand monitoring of the Communications Commission’s activities to ensure its impartiality and procedural fairness. They also request support for independent journalists, including through legal and diplomatic mechanisms.
**Independent Media Under Threat**
In a statement signed by over 20 NGOs and media groups, they emphasize that independent media must be able to ask critical questions and demand answers. The intimidation of critical broadcasters is in direct contradiction to both the Georgian Constitution and the country’s international obligations.
The full list of signatories includes:
* Transparency International-Georgia
* Civil Society Foundation
* Civic Movement for Freedom
* Start Now
* Alternative Georgia
* Georgian Association for Psychosocial Aid Ndoba
* Media Development Foundation
* Radio Marneuli
* Poti Citizens For Their Rights
* Kakheti Regional Development Foundation
* Family Against Discrimination
* Documentary Association Georgia
* Union of Democrat Meskhs
* Salam
* Kvemo Kartli Women’s Association Women and the World
* Neo TV and Georgian Media Group
* Profesio
* Mtis Ambebi
* Europe Foundation
* International Institute for Education Policy Planning and Management
* Aures Foundation
* Alliance of Women with Disabilities
* Bbsa- Georgia
* Center for Media, Information and Social Research
* Black Sea Eco-Academy
* Sapari
* SAORSA
* Lomeki
* Georgian Network of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry
* Georgian centre for Psychosocial and Medical Rehabilitaion of Torture Victims
* Woman and Development
* Public Art Platform
* ATSU
* Human Rights Center
* Prevention For Progress
* Publika
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