On September 12, the Communications Commission (ComCom) imposed a fine of GEL 5,000 (about USD 1,800) on Mtavari TV, a channel known for its opposition-leaning stance. This came after ComCom issued a protocol of administrative violations against the station for not broadcasting a political ad from the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Mtavari TV has announced that it will appeal ComCom’s decision to the Court of Appeal. The channel had refused to air the advertisement, citing concerns about hate speech and potential violations of the Broadcasting Law or the Advertising Law of Georgia. The channel specifically pointed out two frames from the video that it found problematic.
According to Mtavari’s lawyer, Tamta Muradashvili, the GD’s political ad is controversial and violates the law as it targets non-political individuals, such as representatives of civil society, and portrays them as “moral destroyers of society.” She argued that political ads should support or obstruct political figures or parties, but the GD’s ad does neither.
Mtavari also highlighted that other opposition media outlets, including Formula and TV Pirveli, have also not aired the ad, anticipating similar fines from ComCom.
In response to these alleged violations, ComCom issued a press release stating that it is asking the court to exempt the TV companies from responsibility due to the “precedent-setting nature” of the cases. The press release specifically mentions that the Commission has issued a protocol to several TV channels, including Mtavari TV, for violating the law, but it believes that the broadcasters should not be fined.
This decision by ComCom has sparked controversy, with many viewing it as an attempt to suppress opposition media. The government has been criticized for its actions, with some accusing it of trying to control the media and limit freedom of speech. This incident has raised concerns about the state of media freedom in Georgia and the need for fair and unbiased regulation by ComCom.
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