**Georgian Journalist Suspended for Criticizing Government**
Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani, a journalist from Georgia, has been suspended by his employer for criticizing the government. The suspension has sparked outrage among fellow journalists and human rights groups.
According to reports, Ivanov-Chikovani was reprimanded for airing footage of President Salome Zurabishvili during a sports event, and for questioning management’s decision not to mention that two journalists were injured by police rubber bullets during a pro-EU rally.
The suspension has been condemned by the Media Advocacy Coalition, which accused the government of silencing independent voices. The coalition also criticized the Public Broadcaster’s apparent bias towards the ruling party and its promotion of propaganda.
**Background**
Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani is a well-known journalist in Georgia who has been critical of the government’s policies. He was one of several journalists to speak out against the suspension, saying that it was an attempt to stifle free speech and independent journalism.
The Public Broadcaster is constitutionally mandated to remain independent, but critics say that it has become increasingly biased towards the ruling party. The broadcaster’s leadership has been accused of censorship and propaganda, with Chairman Vasil Maghlaperidze and Director Tinatin Berdzenishvili being named as key architects of this policy.
**International Reaction**
The suspension has sparked outrage internationally, with human rights groups and media organizations condemning the move. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has been called upon to take a position on the ongoing censorship at the Public Broadcaster.
The Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA) has also spoken out against the suspension, saying that it is part of an ongoing campaign to stifle free speech and independent journalism. GYLA stressed that such actions not only violate the rights of journalists but also undermine the public’s right to access unbiased information from a constitutionally mandated institution.
**Next Steps**
The fate of Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani remains uncertain, with his employer refusing to reinstate him until further notice. The situation has sparked widespread protests and calls for action from human rights groups and media organizations around the world.