"International Transparency": Communications Commission Bans 93 Words and Phrases for Media

According to International Transparency - Georgia, the Communications Commission has identified 93 words and phrases banned for media. According to the organization's data, they include "Ivanishvili's Prime Minister", "oligarch" and "judicial clan".

Among other banned phrases, the organization names the following: regime, prisoners of conscience, false witness policemen, political prisoners, illegal detention, "Georgian Dream" government and repressive laws.

According to the organization, at a session held on October 1, the commission fined the TV company Formula for the third time for using words and phrases unacceptable to "Georgian Dream". This time the fine amounted to 10,000 GEL.

Over the last 6 months, the commission has drawn up warning reports against the TV companies Pervyi and Formula on this ground 7 times. After verbal warnings, the fines were 2,500 and 5,000 GEL, and now they have increased to 10,000 GEL.

According to International Transparency - Georgia, the commission is acting as an "open censor" against critical media and seeks to paralyze and weaken television stations already in a difficult financial situation. The organization recalls that the commission also has the authority to suspend broadcasting licenses of critical channels.

The organization notes that all this is happening against the backdrop of the United Kingdom sanctioning the pro-government television channels Imedi and POS TV for deliberately spreading false information about the war launched by Russia in Ukraine and supporting Russian disinformation.

The information states: "The ruling team itself decides who and how to punish, in order to suppress critical voices".