US Ambassador: Independent media is very important for any democracy

12:12, 25.03.2023

US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan said she sees “narrowing of the media environment” in Georgia but highlights that independent media is very important for any democracy.

US Ambassador was asked to remark on the statement of President Salome Zourabichvili on pardoning Nika Gvaramia, jailed Director General of Mtavari Arkhi (Main Channel). President said: “I will tell you as it happens in due time. I can’t say more than that.”

“Here in Georgia, where we see the narrowing of the media environment, I think it is important to send the message that independent media is supported. The public should have accurate information regarding different views, not information in the same direction. As we see a narrowing of the media environment, there is a risk that the public will not have access to different views, leading them to make uninformed decisions.

I hope that Georgia will have a strong independent media, because this is very important for any democracy, and especially for a democracy like Georgia, which is trying to create its own institutions,” Kelly Degnan said.

By - Elene Dobordjginidze

Politics

independent media

Kelly Degnan

Nika Gvaramia