**Georgian Dream Cracks Down on Critical Media**
In a move that has sparked widespread concern, Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, has filed complaints with the country’s media regulator against two major opposition-leaning TV channels. The Communications Commission is now set to review these complaints, which could lead to severe penalties for Formula and TV Pirveli.
The complaints come after recent amendments to the Law on Broadcasting granted the regulator broader powers to regulate content according to what Georgian Dream claims is the “British model”. Critics argue that this law aims to silence critical media in the country. Former President Salome Zurabishvili described these moves as a sign of weakness and a “new wave of repression”.
The complaints against Formula specifically target phrases used by journalists and anchors, which the ruling party claims are not factual and therefore violate the law. These phrases include terms like “regime’s prisoner”, “illegitimate parliament”, and “oligarch’s regime”. The channel has been warned to ensure respect for fairness and impartiality in its reporting.
TV Pirveli’s lawyer, Tornike Migineishvili, believes that this move marks the beginning of a new series of repression against critical media. If the Communications Commission agrees with Georgian Dream’s arguments, it can impose severe penalties on both channels, including fines, temporary restrictions, or even suspension of their licenses.
This crackdown on media comes amid broader concerns about a legislative crackdown in Georgia, including foreign agent laws and restrictions on receiving foreign funding for online and broadcasting media. Media Advocacy Coalition called these complaints “legal repression” by Georgian Dream.
The future of Formula and TV Pirveli hangs in the balance as they face this new challenge to their independence. Their lawyer believes that the Communications Commission will start reviewing the complaint on Thursday, June 5. The outcome will be closely watched by media experts and human rights advocates worldwide.
**Background:**
Georgia’s media landscape has been under increasing pressure since the closure of TV Mtavari due to financial difficulties. Two foreign agent laws have introduced further restrictions on receiving foreign funding for online and broadcasting media. Georgian Dream’s control over key institutions, including the Communications Commission, has raised concerns about censorship and repression.
**Key Players:**
* Salome Zurabishvili, former President of Georgia
* Tornike Migineishvili, lawyer for TV Pirveli
* Vakho Sanaia, evening news anchor for Formula
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For the latest updates on this developing story and other key news from Georgia, keep an eye out for our regular reports.
