**Georgian Government Targets Critical Media Outlets**
Two major broadcasters in Georgia, Radio Tbilisi and Trialeti TV, have accused the government of unfairly freezing their bank accounts to collect long-standing tax debts. The move has been seen as a politically motivated attempt to silence critical voices in the media.
According to reports, Radio Tbilisi’s founder, Ramaz Samkharadze, believes that the account freeze is not a coincidence and is linked to his criticism of the Georgian Dream government. Samkharadze had previously dared GD MP Sozar Subari to summon him to parliament to speak about media issues under the current government.
Radio Tbilisi’s debts, which amount to several thousand GEL, have been acknowledged by the authorities but were never previously a problem for the Revenue Service. The radio is currently in the process of renewing its 10-year broadcasting license and failure to make the upcoming payment could result in the Communications Commission denying the renewal.
Trialeti TV has also had its bank account levied to enforce the collection of debts that date back 10-15 years. The broadcaster, which is already facing financial difficulties, warns that this move will prevent it from paying taxes or salaries and ultimately lead to the shutdown of both its TV and radio services.
**A Pattern of Persecution**
Trialeti TV has linked the account freeze to its recent coverage of the appointment of Kote Buzaladze as acting Mayor of Gori, which the channel describes as a close associate of State Security Service chief Anri Okhanashvili. The broadcaster also claims that critical remarks made about GD officials on its talk shows led the SSSG to order the Shida Kartli regional authorities to stop appearing on the channel or giving interviews.
This move has been seen as part of a broader pattern of persecution against critical media outlets in Georgia. In February, the opposition-leaning Mtavari Arkhi was forced off the air due to financial difficulties. Three major opposition-leaning broadcasters – Formula TV, TV Pirveli, and Mtavari TV – are currently awaiting the Communications Commission’s decision in cases filed by GD over their use of language that questions the ruling government’s legitimacy.
**A Deepening Financial Crisis**
The enforcement actions come amid a deepening financial crisis in Georgia’s media landscape. The move has raised fears that financial hurdles will force more channels and radio stations off air. The Georgian Dream government’s legal crackdown on the media has also led to concerns about press freedom and the ability of critical voices to be heard.
In conclusion, the freezing of Radio Tbilisi and Trialeti TV’s bank accounts is a worrying sign of the Georgian government’s willingness to silence critical media outlets. As the financial crisis in Georgia’s media landscape deepens, it is essential that the international community pays attention to these developments and takes steps to support independent media outlets.
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