Prepared by Messenger Staff
Communications Commission Finds Three TV Channels in Violation, but Issues No Penalty
Georgia's Communications Commission has found three major broadcasters : TV Pirveli, Formula, and Mtavari Arkhi in violation of the legal requirement for impartiality in news coverage. However, the Commission chose not to impose administrative sanctions, citing a transitional legal period and lack of precedent.
The decision followed a complaint submitted by the ruling party, Georgian Dream, which accused the channels of failing to maintain neutrality during their news programs and of blending opinion with factual reporting. The complaint also extended to content shared by the broadcasters on social media, which falls under the same regulatory standards.
According to the Commission, the broadcasters breached Article 54, Paragraph 5, and Article 59¹, Paragraph 5 of Georgia's Law "On Broadcasting," which prohibits news outlets from expressing positions for or against political parties or interest groups. While Georgian Dream also alleged violations under a separate provision requiring separation of fact and opinion, the Commission said that clause was inapplicable in this case.
Despite confirming the breaches, the Commission declined to issue penalties, citing the recent changes to the law that came into effect on April 1, 2025. These amendments gave the Commission enforcement powers for the first time over matters such as impartiality, accuracy, and the protection of minors, which were previously left to broadcasters' internal regulatory bodies.
"We will be as lenient as possible, especially until the practice is established," said Kakha Bekauri, Chairman of the Communications Commission, in a prior statement. "We are interested, as much as the public, in ensuring disinformation is not spread and that viewers' interests are protected."
The Commission emphasized that this was the first case it has reviewed under the updated law and said its decision took into account the broadcasters' lack of prior notice or precedent under the new standards.
Kobakhidze Slams European Parliament Resolution as 'Utterly Shameful'
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze strongly criticized a recent resolution adopted by the European Parliament, calling it "utterly shameful" and accusing European institutions of blackmailing the Georgian people for not supporting the opposition party United National Movement.
"It is utterly shameful to blackmail the Georgian people because they did not return the collective 'National Movement' to power," Kobakhidze said in response to a journalist's question. "Blackmailing the Georgian people for this is simply disgraceful."
He said the responsibility does not lie solely with the European Parliament but with the broader European bureaucracy.
"This is yet another, if I'm not mistaken, the seventh utterly shameful resolution by the European Parliament. I believe the entire EU bureaucracy must take responsibility for this," Kobakhidze stated. "These people must feel accountable, including for giving a green light to the previous government during 2004 to 2012 for the gravest crimes they committed."
The Prime Minister accused past European officials of supporting what he described as serious human rights abuses during the rule of former President Mikheil Saakashvili and the United National Movement.
"Torture of people, racketeering, seizing television stations, handing over territories - all of this was given a green light for Saakashvili's 'National Movement' regime by the very same bureaucrats and post-Soviet politicians who today speak in a shameful tone and adopt shameful resolutions," Kobakhidze said.
Trial of Protest Detainees Davit Lomidze and Temur Zasokhashvili Underway at Tbilisi City Court
During a trial of Davit Lomidze and Temur Zasokhashvili, a photo of State Security Service (SSS) officer Badri Tatanashvil, who was testifying as a witness, was circulated on social media.
According to Radio Liberty, the prosecutor in the case, Ani Khubezhashvili, objected to this and showed the image to Judge Nino Galustashvili.
Following this, Galustashvili ordered the entire session to be closed. Both attendees and media representatives were asked to leave the courtroom.
"I warned you not to take photos during the session. Since the rule was violated, I am closing the hearing," Galustashvili stated, according to Radio Liberty.
Under legislation adopted by Georgian Dream, photo and video recording during court sessions is prohibited.
Lomidze was not present in court today. According to his lawyer, he is undergoing surgery.
Lomidze has been experiencing spinal issues, which the defense attributes to beatings he sustained during his arrest. He was transferred to Gldani's 18th Medical Facility.
Following his arrest, Lomidze's son, Bachia Lomidze, also spoke publicly about his father's deteriorating condition.Son of political detainee: His condition worsened in prison - he's been bedridden for two weeks.
Davit Lomidze and Temur Zasokhashvili were first detained on administrative charges on December 1, and later charged under the criminal code. During the arrest, both were beaten multiple times. According to Lomidze's lawyer, police handcuffed him behind his back in a minibus alongside other detainees and continued to hit him while restrained.
Davit Lomidze is accused of assaulting a police officer and allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail. If convicted, he faces a prison sentence of four to seven years.
