EP adopts resolution on violations of media freedom in Georgia, containing calls to sanction Ivanishvili

The European Parliament voted in favor of a resolution on violations of media freedom in Georgia and security challenges for journalists on Thursday, which includes the calls of the European People’s Party (EPP), Renew Europe and European Conservatives and Reformers (ECR) to impose targeted sanctions on the founder of the Georgian Dream ruling party Bidzina Ivanishvili.

 

The amendment, introduced by the three groups today, stated that the European Parliament expressed its concern at the “destructive role played by individual oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili in Georgian politics and the economy,” his “influence over the government and its decisions.”

 

The amendment also expresses “deep concern” over Ivanishvili’s ties to the Kremlin, which “determines the position of the current Georgian government on sanctions on Russia” and called for the imposition of personal sanctions on Ivanishvili over his role in “worsening Georgia’s political process.”

 

The European Parliament passed the first part of the amendment by raising its hand, and the second part, which called for the consideration of imposing personal sanctions on Ivanishvili, by 308 votes to 218.

 

The resolution was critical of the events of July 5, 2021, when journalists were attacked by far-right activists during Tbilisi Pride events in Tbilisi.

 

It suggested that several of the perpetrators were arrested and sentenced to imprisonment, while others, including the organizers, have not yet been brought to justice.

 

The resolution referred to the sentence of Nika Gvaramia, the head of the opposition-minded Matavari channel, and the cases against the owners of TV Pirveli and Formula. The resolution also referred to the court ruling against the founders of the Lelo party.

 

The document said that the  ex-president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, should be allowed to receive medical treatment abroad for humanitarian reasons.

 

The resolution praised Nino Lomjaria, the Georgian public advocate, for her positive actions towards the protection of media freedom, “despite the government’s criticism.”

 

The resolution called on the EU institutions to work for the granting of EU candidate status to Georgia, in accordance with Article 49 of the EU Treaty, and on the basis of merit and compliance with all criteria by the Georgian authorities.