The Media Advocacy Coalition has condemned the decision to apply repressive measures against Formula TV journalist Vakho Sanaia. According to the organization’s statement, under the ruling Georgian Dream party, the courts are being used as a mechanism to enforce repressive legislation and restrict freedom of speech.
“On July 22, Judge Zviad Tsekvava sentenced journalist Vakho Sanaia to 14 days of administrative detention for a social media post. This decision was preceded by a fine of 6,000 GEL imposed on the journalist for the same reason.
Under the rule of Georgian Dream, the courts, like other state institutions, are actively used to execute repressive laws and limit freedom of speech. The arrest of a journalist for expressing his stance on a social network once again confirms that independent media and freedom of expression in the country are subject to direct attacks and systemic pressure.
The Media Advocacy Coalition expresses solidarity with Vakho Sanaia and all journalists who become targets of repressive mechanisms due to their professional activities and civic stance,” the statement reads.
As a reminder, the Tbilisi City Court sentenced journalist Vakho Sanaia to 14 days of administrative detention for a social media post concerning Speaker of Parliament Shalva Papuashvili and MP Vladimer Bozhadze. The journalist was detained near his home.