Prepared by Messenger Staff
Kobakhidze Comments on Council of Europe Relations, Criticizes Opposition
Following his meeting with Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze addressed the state of Georgia's cooperation with the institution. He stated that while overall engagement with the Council of Europe remains important and active, there are specific areas of friction particularly with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and the Venice Commission.
Kobakhidze criticized both bodies, claiming PACE has made politically motivated decisions and accusing the Venice Commission of disregarding legal principles. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the broader value of cooperation, especially in relation to the European Court of Human Rights, which he said contributes positively to Georgia's democratic development.
He also expressed appreciation for Berset's role and past visits to Georgia, reaffirming the government's openness to dialogue on all issues concerning democracy and governance.
In a separate comment, Kobakhidze sharply criticized members of the domestic opposition, accusing them of acting as "foreign agents" and working against Georgia's national interests. He likened their actions and rhetoric to those of historical figures from the Soviet era, drawing comparisons to Bolshevik methods and labeling them as hostile to the country's sovereignty.
Social Justice Center Slams Public Broadcaster Over Journalist Dismissals
The Social Justice Center (SJC) has condemned the recent dismissal of journalists Nino Zautashvili and Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani from Georgia's Public Broadcaster, calling it a case of political persecution and a serious violation of labor and human rights.
According to the organization, the firings reflect an alarming trend of punishing employees for expressing critical views. SJC argues that the dismissals are part of a broader effort to assert political control over an institution that is supposed to operate independently under the Constitution.
The group also pointed to the ongoing public protests outside the broadcaster's headquarters as a sign of widespread concern, contrasting this with what they described as the management's failure to uphold neutrality, objectivity, and legal obligations.
SJC warned that the broadcaster's loss of independence, especially during a time of political tension, is a direct threat to media freedom and public interest in Georgia. The organization called the dismissals a stain on the broadcaster's legacy and said they raise serious concerns about accountability.
Expressing solidarity with the dismissed journalists, SJC pledged to use all available tools to defend their rights and seek justice.
