FM Botchorishvili slams Moldova over refusal of entry to several media outlets

Georgia’s Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Maka Botchorishvili, has criticised Moldova after journalists from three Georgian television channels were denied entry to the country while attempting to cover a Council of Europe meeting in Chișinău.

Speaking at the 135th session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on Friday, Botchorishvili said the incident raised concerns about the interpretation of freedom of speech and media freedom.

“Today, journalists from three different Georgian television channels who wished to cover our meeting were denied entry into Moldova and prevented from carrying out their professional activities,” she said.

“It is concerning when freedom of speech and media freedom are interpreted selectively.”

Addressing delegates in Chișinău, the foreign minister said criticism of Georgia had become, in her words, “the most attractive activity for some” in recent years.

“Criticism is a natural part of democracy, but when political objectives are placed above facts, this no longer serves to strengthen democracy, but instead undermines trust,” Botchorishvili stressed.

She also accused some international actors of applying double standards towards Georgia.

“It is hypocritical to express concern over ‘democratic backsliding’ while at the same time encouraging radical forces that refuse to participate in elections; to claim support for the Georgian people while demonstratively distancing oneself from the government elected by those same people,” she said.

The foreign minister further argued that describing Georgia as “pro-Russian” because of its approach towards Russia amounted to an oversimplification of reality.

Botchorishvili noted that 20% of Georgia’s territory remained under Russian occupation and said international courts, including the European Court of Human Rights, had confirmed Russia’s responsibility for serious human rights violations in the occupied territories.

She also referred to a 9 May 2026 agreement signed between Moscow and the Russian-installed authorities in Tskhinvali, which she said represented a further step towards the annexation of Georgian regions.

“Today, as the war in Ukraine continues, we see even more clearly that no country can truly be secure if international law is applied selectively, if occupation gradually becomes a ‘new normal’, and if force is placed above the rule of law,” Botchorishvili said.

The foreign minister added that Georgia remained committed to the peaceful and comprehensive resolution of conflicts and continued efforts to preserve peace, stability and security in the region.