Jim Risch, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee responded to the arrastre of Nika Gvaramia, the founder of TV channel Mtavari Arkhi, via Twitter noting Gvaramia was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison on politically motivated charges.
“Nika Gvaramia, director of Georgian media outlet Mtavari Channel was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison on politically motivated charges. Silencing political opposition will send Georgia in a very troubling direction. Rule of law & a free press is essential for democracy,” Twitted Rische.
Gvaramia was accused of embezzling a large amount of property belonging to Rustavi 2, commercial bribery and forging official documents, as well as legalizing illegal income by a group with a preliminary agreement. Gvaramia is also accused of abuse of office.
#NikaGvaramia, director of Georgian media outlet @MtavariChannel, was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison on politically motivated charges. Silencing political opposition will send #Georgia in a very troubling direction. Rule of law & a free press is essential for #democracy. https://t.co/ma3VICC398
— Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member (@SenateForeign) May 16, 2022
