Transparency International – Georgia expresses its solidarity with Vakho Sanaia, a journalist and presenter at TV Formula! Vakho Sanaia is being punished for exposing the Bidzina Ivanishvili and Georgian Dream regime! This is stated in a press release issued by Transparency International – Georgia.

According to the organization, media freedom is a key pillar of democracy.

"The pressure, persecution, and legal manipulations directed against independent journalists and critical media are part of an authoritarian system that aims to suppress free speech and intimidate the public in the country.

Vakho Sanaia is being punished for exposing the Bidzina Ivanishvili and 'Georgian Dream' regime, for his principled stance, and for his fight for Georgia’s European future.

Media freedom is a key pillar of democracy. Solidarity with Vakho Sanaia and all those journalists who, despite unprecedented pressure, remain in the service of the truth!" – reads the statement.

For context, journalist Vakho Sanaia has been sentenced to 30 days of administrative detention. The decision was made by Judge Tornike Kochkiani.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs accuses Sanaia of insulting political officials through three posts published on social media.