The Communications Commission has fined TV Pirveli 2,500 GEL, saying the broadcaster violated broadcasting regulations through the use of terms such as “prisoners of conscience,” “oligarch,” “Georgian Dream investigation,” “nonexistent crime,” and references to police officers as “false witnesses.”
“It is not permitted for a broadcaster to express a position in support of or against any political party, public, religious association, or other interest group in its news and socio-political programs,” the commission said.
The commission issued a similar ruling against TV Formula on May 21. The broadcaster was also fined 2,500 GEL over the use of terms including “Dream Ministry of Internal Affairs,” “Dream Health Minister,” and pro-government “Rustavi 2.”
In February 2025, Parliament registered a bill granting the Communications Commission the authority to review alleged ethical violations in broadcasters’ content, a function previously handled through self-regulation mechanisms. The legislation entered into force on April 1, 2025.
Critics of the changes argue that a number of laws adopted by the ruling ‘Georgian Dream’ party over the past two years have restricted freedom of expression. These measures include a ban on grant funding for television broadcasters, a requirement for government consent before other media outlets and non-governmental organizations can receive grants, and tighter regulations governing public demonstrations.
