“The attack on our public broadcaster persists,” asserted Shalva Papuashvili, Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, during an appearance on Imedi TV. “We have witnessed footage of foreign-funded NGOs attempting to raid the GPB.”

Papuashvili articulated his disappointment that ambassadors, foreign actors, or NGOs have yet to declare the exertion of pressure on the GPB editorial independence as unacceptable.

The Parliament Chairman emphasized that this behaviour constitutes direct interference with the GPB.

“If we reflect on the entire timeline, the attack on the public broadcaster is ongoing. We have seen evidence of this; we have viewed footage showcasing foreign-funded NGOs attempting to raid the GPB. Has any ambassador, foreign actor, NGO, or member of the media community expressed even a hint of disapproval regarding the violation of the public broadcaster’s editorial autonomy? This situation is nothing less than a direct attack on the public broadcaster. We have observed firsthand the manipulation of appointments, dictating who will become the future director of the GPB and who will host various programs. In the 21st century, we are being force-fed a narrative reminiscent of a nation that has previously endured the Saakashvili regime, while being told this represents modernization and democracy,” concluded Shalva Papuashvili.