**Georgian Government Faces Criticism Over New Laws**
The Social Justice Center (SJC), a human rights group in Georgia, has spoken out against new laws proposed by the ruling party. The SJC says these laws threaten freedom of expression and media independence.
**New Rules for Broadcasters**
One of the laws requires broadcasters to be accurate, fair, and balanced in their reporting. However, the SJC argues that this law is too vague and could be used to silence critical voices.
The law also gives the Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC) more power to regulate broadcasters. The GNCC has been accused of being biased towards the government and targeting opposition-leaning TV stations.
**Foreign Funding Ban**
Another proposed law would ban broadcasters from receiving foreign funding, except for commercial advertising. The SJC says this is an unjustified restriction on freedom of expression.
**Removing “Gender” From Laws**
The third proposed law would remove the terms “gender,” “gender identity,” and “gender diversity” from laws related to broadcasting. The SJC argues that this would allow broadcasters to distribute material that incites hatred based on gender.
**Authoritarian Rule Tightening**
The SJC warns that these new laws are part of a coordinated effort by the government to crush freedom in Georgia. The group says that critical media outlets, which expose human rights violations and government crimes, are being targeted.
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