It is understandable why Ivanishvili’s Dream sued critical TV channels TV Pirveli and Formula. They do not want people to know the truth about what is happening in Georgia or in the world, - Eka Gigauri, Executive Director of Transparency International – Georgia, writes on social networks.

“When analyzing the complaints, it is interesting to understand what bothers Georgian Dream the most, namely, what kind of news the ruling party “is afraid of” and what critical media should not spread:

Critical investigations into the corruption of the ruling party:

Do not dare to publish a story that concerns the assets of officials, fictitious tenders, the influence of Cartu or deals with Chinese companies.

The ruling power is frightened by the questions: “Whose building is this?”, “How was this budget money spent?”, “Why did a sanctioned company win the tender?”

Critical assessments by independent experts or NGOs:

If any of the words “deterioration of democracy”, “adversarial judiciary”, “interference in elections” by TI, ISFED, GYLA or other organizations are heard on the air, this is considered a “violation of impartiality”.

In fact, the words “authoritarianism”, “elite corruption” or “state capture” should not be heard on the air, even if based on international sources.

Coverage of opposition parties or civil protests where human rights are violated.

Don’t dare show footage of police beating citizens, or opposition leaders talking about the bias of the prosecutor’s office — this is already “campaign coverage.”

Particular caution should be exercised if you hear the words “European choice,” “Russian law,” or “sabotage is not criticism” during a protest.

Election violations or violence:

Don’t dare write: “ballot stuffing,” “bias of the precinct commission,” “pressure on observers,” “public officials awaiting punishment” — this will lead to a lawsuit claiming that the election coverage was not impartial.

Irony, satire or sarcasm towards the ruling party:

If the audience laughs at the government, this may be perceived as an “attempt at destabilization”.

For example: if the host says — “Bidzina says that Europe is harmful, but his property is in Europe” — this will go to the Communications Commission.

In short, the ruling party has made a simple “safe media” guide:

Do not mention the government’s responsibility;

Do not present the protest as fair;

Do not cover corruption;

Do not point out systemic interference in the courts and prosecutor’s office;

Be “impartial”, which means “silent”, - writes Eka Gigauri.

For information, according to “TV Pirveli”, “Formula” and “Mtavari Arkh” information, “Kartli Dream” has filed a complaint with the Communications Commission. According to "Formula", they accuse the representative of the "Georgian Dream" of "violating certain legal norms" regarding broadcasting. In particular, according to their own information, the terms are: "illegitimate parliament", "so-called chairman of the parliament", "oligarch's deputy", "regime's city court"; "clan servant judge", etc.

According to TV Pirveli and Formula, Georgian Dream has filed a complaint against them with the Communications Commission. According to Formula, they are accused by the Georgian Dream representative of "violating certain legal norms" on broadcasting. Georgian Dream is demanding that Formula be held responsible for violating new norms set forth in the Law on Broadcasting and that a temporary rule for the enforcement of sanctions be enacted. TV Pirveli also says that Georgian Dream sued them. According to Nodar Meladze, Georgian Dream demands that journalists and presenters no longer use such terms on live broadcasts as "illegitimate government"; "oligarch regime"; "clan’s servant judge" and so on.