NGOs: Georgian Media Environment Has Worsened
Eleven non-governmental organizations, united under platform Media Advocacy Coalition, commented on the suspension of the broadcasting by Iberia TV Company 10 days before the presidential elections.
The NGOs say the fact “indicates a worsening of the media environment in the country.”
The coalition says this is the third time the journalists of Iberia TV have spoken out about a violation their rights in the dispute between the government and the company founders.
“The Coalition calls on the parties to respect the interests of the public, to protect journalists' rights, and answer all the questions related to the case,” the statement reads.
On October 17, the founder of opposition-minded Iberia TV, Nato Chkheidze, took to Facebook to inform society that the channel had stopped broadcasting.
“Today, Iberia TV has stopped broadcasting. The government achieved their aim but confronting media will cost the Georgian Dream officials…It will have negative reverse results,” she stressed.
Moreover, Head of the Iberia News Service Vakho Khuzmiashvili says “terror from the GD” and financial problems served as the main reasons the TV company suspended broadcasting.
Journalists of Georgia’s Iberia TV speak of pressure from the government through creating financial problems for Omega Group Company, which is the main financial donor of Iberia TV.
However, the government rejects the accusations, saying Omega Group has GEL 51 million debt to the country, as it was not paying taxes.
After the TV station announced about the suspension of broadcasting, the PM of Georgia, Mamuka Bakhtadze reiterated that everyone has to pay taxes to the budget of Georgia.
"As for the protection of business and its interests in Georgia, situation in this regard is clear for everyone, which is also confirmed by our position in international ratings…I would like to underline with full responsibility that everyone will pay taxes to the budget of Georgia,” he added.
Iberia TV also spoke about pressure and financial problems in Omega Group in February 2018.
By Thea Morrison
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