MEPs Urge Georgian President to Pardon Nika Gvaramia on World Press Freedom Day
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, May 4, 2023
The European Parliament members have called on the President of Georgia to pardon Nika Gvaramia on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day. The letter, distributed by MEP Marketka Gregorova, has been signed by 18 members of the European Parliament.
The Parliamentarians have stated that the people of Georgia have expressed their desire to join the European Union, which is reflected in the country's constitution.
Furthermore, they have emphasized the importance of creating a free, pluralistic, and independent media environment in Georgia as two out of the twelve recommendations for the country's European integration focus on this issue.
"Today is World Press Freedom Day. My colleagues and I in EU Parliament thus decided to call on the President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili to consider a pardon for Nika Gvaramia. We stay forever friends of Georgia and hope to convey a symbolic message on this crucial day," Marketka Gregorova wrote on Twitter.
The European Parliament members emphasized that the investigation into media owners must be conducted with the utmost adherence to legal standards and impartiality. They stressed that it is crucial for the cases to be considered by an independent and unbiased court.
The MEPs also highlighted the Georgian people's clear aspiration towards European Union membership, which requires a free, diverse, and independent media environment as per two of the twelve recommendations issued to Georgia.
"In line with EU recommendations, we strongly believe that the voice of critical media should never be stifled and that it is vital to a strong democracy. Therefore, I urge you to consider using your authority and release Nika Gvaramia," the letter reads.
