Georgia’s communication commission fined Mtavari Television. The action came after Mtavari Television refused to air the political advertisement of the Georgian Dream party.
The communication commission’s decision in this regard came yesterday. 5000 GEL which is equal to USD 1800 has been imposed against Mtavari TV. The commission already served a protocol notice on the TV channel on September 11 for violating rules and regulations relating to the election process.
On the other hand after the commission’s order, Mtavari TV says it will appeal to the Court of Appeal against the communication commission’s order. According to the TV channel’s representatives, we refused to broadcast the advertisement of Georgian Dream because it contained hate speech and could violate the country’s Broadcasting (Advertising) Law.
While explaining their side the TV official also played two clips from the advertisement to support its decision . In one clip representatives from some civil society organizations were shown in black with “Say no to moral degradation” written over them in red. Similarly in another clip the leader of the opposition parties was shown in black with blood stains.
The lawyer of Mtavari TV Tamta Muradashvili further revealed that the advertisement of Georgian Dream is very “controversial” and “violates the law.” Moreover, the advertisement has been made to attack many people from different sections of society, especially members of civil society organizations.
The communication commission also issued a press release in this regard. According to the press release the commission is discharging its duty according to legal provisions and TV channels must also follow these rules and regulations. The press release specifically mentioned that the commission has addressed all complaint received.
We have also issued a protocol to the TV channels that are not obeying the rules mentioned under the law. Georgia is going for election in October this year. The opposition parties blamed the ruling regime for anti-public policy. Opponents also attacked the Ruling Regime for adopting foreign agent law .The Georgina Dream is also claiming victory for its public-friendly policies.
