Lincoln Mitchell: Rustavi 2 Must Not Be Silenced

Columbia University professor Lincoln Mitchell has commented on Rustavi 2 developments in an interview with the Voice of America.

The former Georgian Dream adviser says, “Actions against the restriction of media freedom in Georgia is really concerning.”

“It’s unacceptable to silence Rustavi 2, even if it is not accurate always. Media transparency is not only a main measure of the democratic processes, but bears significance in terms of the public formation.

It is an essential part of our politics. Georgia will be in a very bad situation without it and problems will emerge. This is one separate issue,” Mitchell emphasized.

He says in a country like Georgia, where a problems occur in terms of the rule of law, and questions emerge in relation to verdicts, this very court decision will obviously raise concerns.

According to Mitchell, it is hard to believe the court has delivered a verdict independently in relation to Rustavi 2 and no pressure from the incumbent or the former PM existed. As Mitchell says, it of course does not mean Georgian Dream establishes a dictatorship, or act as badly as the National Movement did. “Georgian Dream has gained power promising to promote development of the democratic processes. Therefore they should remain and continue doing this.”

“Conduction punishing measures towards Rustavi 2 will cause the number of its supporters to increase. This is an awkward crossword for me… From my point of view, the position – we will not pay attention when they criticize us - would be more advantageous in terms of democratic processes in Georgia,” Lincoln Mitchel concluded.