We, the undersigned civil society organizations, would like to react to the statement by the Chair of the ruling party Georgian Dream, Mr. Irakli Kobakhidze, on the withdrawal from the EU brokered so-called ”Charles Michel agreement” signed by the Georgian Dream on April 19.
Batumi International Conference July 19, 2021H.E. Charles Michel, President of the European Council
We, the undersigned organizations, express our utmost concern and sorrow over the passing of Lekso Lashkarava, the operator of „TV Pirveli”. We would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
The cases of violation of journalists' rights in Georgia have reached a critical point. Hereby, we reiterate that the government has failed to guarantee the safety and security of media representatives as earlier attacks on journalists went largely unpunished.
On July 5, a number of media representatives were physically assaulted and their journalistic work interrupted by protesters rallying against the "March for Dignity".
On June 28, the Parliament of Georgia adopted the amendments to the Electoral Code, aimed at improving the electoral legislation. The working process lasted for several months and the final version of the document also reflected the provisions of the agreement between the political parties (the so-called Charles Michel Document).