Russian propaganda in Georgia

Former Defense Minister and leader of the opposition Free Democrats Irakli Alasania expressed his concern over the increase in Russian ideology in Georgia at the end of last year, while the NGO Iveria has demanded the ban of Russian broadcasters in the country. Analysts believe that the problem is serious, requiring an appropriate assessment.

On December 30 Alasania touched upon the rise in Russian propaganda on Georgian TV channels and revealed his discontent concerning the activities of the security services.

“Why do the security and intelligence services fail to focus on the issue? They should study such cases,” Alasania said.

Alasania also commented on Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili’s statements with regard to isolation from military actions in Ukraine and answered the question whether Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is an enemy or not.

“It’s unacceptable when you refrain from verbalizing the real name of the leader of a country that occupies 20% of our territory. No one asks the PM to offend someone, but everything should be given its name in order for the country’s orientation to be clearly specified,” Alasania said.

Meanwhile, the NGO Iveria demands that Georgia ban Russian broadcasting in country.

According to them, the Russian broadcasters are serving Russian interests and trying to change the attitudes of the Georgian people. They stressed that Russia actively uses the media in the information war.

“Disinformation and information aggression are key characteristics for a majority of Russia’s media outlets,” Iveria said.

Iveria’s Nikoloz Vashakidze stated that it is unacceptable to provide free media space to Russia’s media.

Responding to such statements Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality Paata Zakareishvili said that people can decide for themselves what is worth watching.

“I don’t watch Russian channels, some Georgian channels as well, it depends on my personal choice,” Zakareishvili said.

Analyst Khatuna Lagazidze says: “The West focused on elite in Georgia more rather than on ordinary people. For most of the population, Europe is just an illusion.”

Analysts believe 2015 will be a decisive year for Georgia. Some predict that Russia will try to control Georgia and will use all means to achieve this goal.