Georgian Deputy Justice Minister: UK decision against Georgian broadcasters falls outside legal framework

Beka Dzamashvili, the deputy minister of justice of Georgia, on Monday criticised the United Kingdom over what he described as an attack on free media, calling the decision to sanction Georgian broadcasters legally unfounded and outside the framework of human rights standards.

In his remarks, Dzamashvili noted that the reasons cited for the restriction are particularly concerning, as they do not relate to any discomfort or direct harm caused to the United Kingdom itself. Instead, he noted, the justification refers to issues involving a third state.

“The reason named was not that the United Kingdom itself experienced any discomfort or that its state interests were affected. Instead, the reference was made to a third state. This factor alone would be enough to show how far this decision has moved beyond the legal and human rights framework”, he noted.

The deputy minister added that it was extremely rare, even among states considered highly undemocratic, for a media outlet to be restricted through a unilateral political decision simply because the disseminated information was deemed unacceptable by someone.

“Even in such cases, certain procedures are usually followed. Questions may be raised about compliance with specific rules or regulations, courts become involved, and the media outlet is given the opportunity to present its position. In this case, none of these minimum standards were met”, Dzamashvili said.

He further emphasised that the decision lacked proper substantiation, consisting of only a few sentences that failed to clarify the grounds for the sanction or specify which reports or programs were at issue.

“In order for media outlets to defend their rights, they must at least know which specific reports or broadcasts are being challenged. Even this basic standard was not observed”, the deputy minister continued.

Dzamashvili highlighted that the case was unique because it involved one state attempting to restrict a media outlet operating in another state.

The deputy minister further stressed that elementary standards required such decisions not to be taken solely by a political body and, at a minimum, to be subject to judicial oversight.

“This concerns restrictions on freedom of expression, media freedom, and even property rights. It is clear that the decision-maker did not intend to provide proper justification. On the contrary, the aim may have been to demonstrate that they simply wished to act this way and therefore did so”, Dzamashvili concluded.