Department of State: US continues to strongly support independent media in Georgia

Department of State: US continues to strongly support independent media in Georgia

The United States continues to strongly support independent media, be it in Georgia or elsewhere in the world, US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said on May 17 in response to the question over the recent imprisonment of the head of the opposition-minded Mtavari channel Nika Gvaramia.

 

Price said that  the United States is” clear and sincere” with its Georgian partners when it comes to strengthening the foundations of democracy, which  included democratic institutions and the rule of law.

 

He suggested that the US would continue to partner with the Georgian people in their pursuit of a “democratic, prosperous, peaceful and Euro-Atlantic future.”

 

Asked what harm the state of media freedom and human rights in Georgia could have to Georgia-US relations, Price said that the United States viewed Georgia as a strategic partner and the US, as a strategic partner, had good opportunities to encourage Georgia to embark on reforms.

 

He stated that it is impossible for Georgia to realize its aspirations in a year's time or even in a decade, and that  it required hard work, patience and significant resources.

 

Price stated that the US’ had plans to  continue the partnership with Georgia and help the country, including with direct support, to achieve its democratic goals.

 

The Tbilisi City Court found Nika Gvaramia, General Director of Mtavari channel, guilty on May 16 of abuse of power during managing Rustavi 2 TV and sentenced him to three years and six months in prison.

 

Gvaramia and the opposition, as well as local NGOs said that the charges were politically grounded. However, the Georgian Dream authorities dismiss the accusations and say that everyone is equal before the law.





The United States continues to strongly support independent media, be it in Georgia or elsewhere in the world, US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said on May 17 in response to the question over the recent imprisonment of the head of the opposition-minded Mtavari channel Nika Gvaramia.

 

Price said that  the United States is” clear and sincere” with its Georgian partners when it comes to strengthening the foundations of democracy, which  included democratic institutions and the rule of law.

 

He suggested that the US would continue to partner with the Georgian people in their pursuit of a “democratic, prosperous, peaceful and Euro-Atlantic future.”

 

Asked what harm the state of media freedom and human rights in Georgia could have to Georgia-US relations, Price said that the United States viewed Georgia as a strategic partner and the US, as a strategic partner, had good opportunities to encourage Georgia to embark on reforms.

 

He stated that it is impossible for Georgia to realize its aspirations in a year's time or even in a decade, and that  it required hard work, patience and significant resources.

 

Price stated that the US’ had plans to  continue the partnership with Georgia and help the country, including with direct support, to achieve its democratic goals.

 

The Tbilisi City Court found Nika Gvaramia, General Director of Mtavari channel, guilty on May 16 of abuse of power during managing Rustavi 2 TV and sentenced him to three years and six months in prison.

 

Gvaramia and the opposition, as well as local NGOs said that the charges were politically grounded. However, the Georgian Dream authorities dismiss the accusations and say that everyone is equal before the law.