‘Worrying Trend’ – President Says After Imedi TV Suspends Political Talk Shows

In a statement released following Imedi TV’s decision to “temporarily suspend” its political talk shows, President Giorgi Margvelashvili said “it is a worrying trend when developments in media trigger question marks.”

Inga Grigolia, who was a host of one and a co-host of another suspended talk shows, said that the broadcaster’s decision was a result of political meddling from the authorities. Some civil society and watchdog groups have said that the Imedi TV’s decision will have negative impact on media pluralism in Georgia, especially ahead of the next year’s parliamentary elections.

“Politically active and informed public is a foundation of democracy in a state,” reads the statement released by the president’s office on August 31. “The Georgian society has always been distinguished by its political responsibility… Free media, towards which the public is especially sensitive, is one of the significant achievements of this society.”

“Strengthening of democracy without free and competitive media landscape is impossible. Therefore it is alarming when developments in media cause question marks, especially on the eve of new political season and ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections [in October, 2016].”

“As the guarantor of constitution and democracy, the Georgian President is watching closely processes ongoing in media and, together with the public, will defend constitutionally guaranteed media freedom,” reads the statement.

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