Public Defender decries interference with journalists as ‘unacceptable,’ calls for free media environment

“Today, radical opposition-controlled media outlets spread false information claiming I have left Georgian Dream. This disinformation aims solely to mislead the public and create artificial unrest,” stated Irakli Garibashvili, Chairman of Georgian Dream, in a statement published on the party’s official page. Garibashvili emphasized that he remains in his position. “I want to stress that I continue to serve as Chairman of Georgian Dream, I am an active member of our team, and all other claims are untrue,” he said.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that former politicians Mikheil Janelidze and Tinatin Khidasheli had expressed interest in participating in a public discussion regarding the November 28 statement. The government’s official Facebook page shared this announcement. The statement notes that Irakli Kobakhidze, alongside Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, has proposed that the Public Broadcaster allocate airtime on December 4 for this discussion. “We have repeatedly expressed our willingness to engage in a public discussion with those who oppose the statement made by our team on November 28. Former politicians Mikheil (Papuna) Janelidze and Tinatin Khidasheli have already shown interest in joining such a discussion. Together with Shalva Papuashvili, I propose that the Public Broadcaster provide airtime tomorrow, December 4, for this public discussion,” the statement reads.

The Georgian Health Ministry has reported that twenty-six individuals were injured and hospitalized during the protest on the night of December 2, including 23 protesters and three officers from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). According to the Ministry, the injuries sustained are not life-threatening. “Some of the injured individuals remain under the care of physicians, while others have already been discharged from the hospital. The health status of those injured is stable. First Medical Aid provided assistance to protesters, journalists, and MIA officers on-site,” the Ministry stated, with the information being sourced from the Emergency Situations Coordination and Urgent Assistance Centre.

Following the warning, law enforcement officers have deployed water cannons against protesters in front of the Parliament building. The protesters are using firecrackers and throwing various objects at the special forces. A water cannon truck is also positioned on Chichinadze Street, urging citizens to disperse. A few minutes ago, the Ministry of Internal Affairs issued a statement, stating: “The protest on Rustaveli Avenue has surpassed the limits of a peaceful assembly. As a result, the Ministry will use the special measures provided by law to clear the area.”

Pascal Allizard, Leader of the OSCE short-term observer mission to Georgia sent a letter to Maka Botchorishvili, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. The letter is as delivered:“Following the first session of the new legislature of the Georgian Parliament, I am addressing you with a view to contribute to our future work and co-operation. As you are aware, I had the privilege of serving as the Special Coordinator and Leader of the short term OSCE observer mission during the recent parliamentary elections in Georgia. This mission sought to observe and assess the electoral process, contributing to its transparency and integrity, as is practice throughout the entire OSCE region. The preliminary findings of the observation mission highlighted both strengths and challenges within the electoral process. The elections provided voters with a wide array of choices and were well-administered in terms of technical preparations. Candidates could generally campaign freely while the campaign rhetoric was highly divisive and polarized. But as you have noticed in our joint preliminary findings and conclusions, we also raised some critical concerns. These included issues related to voter pressure and uneven playing fields due to financial imbalances, the underrepresentation of women on party lists and other challenges. One issue that was of particular concern was the recently adopted legislation and its impact on fundamental freedoms and Georgia’s civil society. Our findings, which should always be considered in a package, altogether underline the importance of addressing key areas to strengthen public trust and democratic standards. Looking ahead, I trust that the Georgian Government and Parliament will follow up with due attention to the findings and recommendations, thereby lending a substantive contribution in the advancement of the national reform agenda and increasing public confidence. With these considerations in mind, I would strongly encourage you and your colleagues in Parliament to study the preliminary report in detail and to engage closely with the ODIHR when the final report will be issued. It will offer a comprehensive analysis, and specific recommendations, which can provide a sound basis for drafting relevant electoral reforms during the course of the legislature you have just started. Such reflections will be essential as Georgia navigates its ongoing political processes and works to enhance its democratic institutions. In light of the challenges identified, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly stands ready as well to engage and assist Georgia in addressing these issues. Our collective aim is to support your country in its journey towards stronger democratic governance and the rule of law, institution building as well as fostering an environment of inclusivity, transparency, and respect for fundamental freedoms. Please do not hesitate to reach out should you require any support or collaboration in these endeavors. We look forward to witnessing the continued progress of Georgia in consolidating its democratic aspirations,” reads the letter.