Georgia - August 2022
Media under pressure
The Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC) acceded to a request by the ruling Georgian Dream political party to fine one and warn two media outlets for airing a civil society-funded advertisement that encouraged Georgians to attend rallies in support of the membership to the European Union (EU). The GNCC ruled that the ad constituted political campaigning outside of a campaign period. The ruling has been condemned by human rights organizations, who note it represents an escalation in the Georgian Dream’s efforts to use state resources to pressure and silence critical media outlets.
Sources: Open Caucasus Media (1), Open Caucasus Media (2)
