VP/HR — Situation in Georgia in the year leading to the 2016 parliamentary elections

22.10.2015

Question for written answer E-014093-15
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Anna Elżbieta Fotyga (ECR)

On 5 August 2015 and 1 October 2015 the Tbilisi City Court issued orders freezing all the assets of Rustavi 2, one of the few independent TV channels in Georgia, which is not afraid to criticise the current government when its activities raise serious concerns. The court’s decision was made in connection with a lawsuit by Kibar Khalvashi, who is seeking to take over the company. Mr Khalvashi is the former owner of the station, is a loyal ally of Mr Ivanishvili and is connected to the Georgian Dream. Moreover, 20 United National Movement (UNM) offices were vandalised on 21 October 2015.

These developments, which are undoubtedly politically motivated, are especially worrisome against the background of a deteriorating media environment in Georgia, as a result of which several leading political talk shows have recently been taken off the air on Imedi TV, Maestro TV and the Georgian Public Broadcaster. During the period leading to the 2016 parliamentary elections it is crucial to maintain independent media. A worsening of democratic trends in Georgia, politically motivated arrests and abusive application of pre-trial detention in respect of political rivals — all this may become an obstacle to Georgia’s European integration process and stable development.

1. Is the VP/HR aware of the above developments?

2. What steps are being taken by the VP/HR to help maintain media pluralism and political diversity, and to support civil society in Georgia?