PM: No condemnation from TV, diplomats on attack on Journalists, where is concern for media freedom?

“It is disturbing that no so-called ‘Natsis’ television station, no ambassador, no foreign institution has condemned the attack on journalists. Where has concern for media freedom gone now? This clearly shows double standards,” Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told reporters.

According to him, the violent actions of young activists are a continuation of the same practices carried out by the United National Movement in the past.

“That 20-year-old  ‘Akatsuki‘ member is also, in fact, a ‘Natsi’—just like those who stormed the ‘Imedi’ TV company in 2007, seized ‘Rustavi 2’ from its private owner, and interfered with the public broadcaster. Yesterday’s attack on journalists is a direct continuation of that legacy. These young people learned from the National Movement that such actions are normal and justified,” he said.

Kobakhidze stressed that the silence of international partners on the incident is even more troubling.

“This shows that for them, values like media freedom have no real meaning. On the contrary, the media often becomes the main target of attack. I remind you of Mr. Jozwiak’s statement on sanctioning two TV companies. In 2007, the National Movement plundered Imedi TV; today, unable to repeat this directly, they are trying to do so in other ways. But these are feeble attempts,” he said.

The Prime Minister concluded that the Georgian state will guarantee press freedom despite internal and external pressure.

“Freedom of the media, democracy, and human rights will be protected in Georgia. No matter how enemies—inside or outside the country—try to undermine this, the state will defend all institutions, first and foremost media freedom,” Kobakhidze added.