“We have long been on the receiving end of threats from Madam Rasa [Juknevičienė], who is distinguished by her fascist pronouncements towards the Georgian people. Since they are unable to make good on those threats by any other means, they resort to petty pinpricks against the media within their own narrow circle,” declared Speaker of the Georgian Parliament Shalva Papuashvili.

In his view, the European Parliament’s decision forms part of a broader effort to shut down free media in Georgia.

“This must be seen in the context of what we have been hearing and witnessing of late. The European Parliament’s decision is an attempt by various foreign forces to close down free media in Georgia. The fact of the matter is that Brussels fears the truth most today. What apparently frightens them greatly is the truth that ultimately gets through to people, on account of which that propaganda machine, which had been primed and stoked at a cost of millions directed against Georgia, is simply not working.

Therefore, this is part of an effort to shut down free media in Georgia. It is the direct continuation of the hostile decision taken by Great Britain, the purpose of which is likewise to silence free media. We have long been on the receiving end of threats from Madam Rasa [MEP Juknevičienė], who is distinguished by her fascist statements towards the Georgian people. Since they are unable to make good on those threats by any other means, they resort to petty pinpricks against the media within their own narrow circle,” Papuashvili stated.

For context, the European Parliament has suspended the accreditation of broadcasters Imedi TV, Rustavi 2, and PosTV for one year.