Georgia - October 2022

POSTV, a TV channel critical of Georgia’s liberal opposition, has officially become the media arm of a newly-formed parliamentary faction known for launching conspiratorial critiques against Georgian opposition, Ukraine, the European Union, and American officials. The channel also recently came under the majority ownership of a member of a sitting member of parliament, in violation of Georgian law. 

Sources: OC Media, JAM News, EurasiaNet 

Georgia civil society organizations and the US Embassy have raised concerns over the elevation of Levan Murusidze and Dimitri Gvritishvili to the High Council of Justice, which is tasked with regulating the judiciary. Critics hold that both men are part of the “judicial clan” which undermines the rule of law and independence of the judiciary, and that their election endangers Georgia’s EU integration prospects. Judicial reform is part of the 12-point plan Georgia committed to as part of its European Union membership application. 

Sources: Jam News, Civil.ge, European Commission