Twenty-two online media outlets have filed a complaint within the self-regulation mechanism against the propagandist, pro-government TV channel “Imedi” over a disinformation report aired on November 23. They demand the retraction of the false information broadcast by the channel.
Below is the online media outlets’ statement in full:
“Georgia’s political environment has never been tolerant toward free and professional journalism, but what ‘Georgian Dream’ and its merged propaganda machines have been doing recently crosses every legal and ethical boundary.
We have heard false and baseless accusations many times before – once again, the unity of independent online media has become a target of the authorities.
The propagandist media outlet ‘Imedi’ labels free online media representatives as ‘agents’ and ‘anti-Georgian’ publications.
With an absurd cascade of fabricated, disconnected stories and lies, it attacks outlets whose professionalism, high credibility, and reputation have never been in question.
The authorities are troubled by questions of public importance concerning the ‘Eagle Hills’ project and the higher education reform.
They want to prevent the media from covering ongoing events in the country continuous protests, the political crisis, high-level corruption scandals, human rights violations, acute social problems, and more. That is why they seek to discredit independent publications and create an environment in which our existence becomes impossible.
The unity of independent online media ‘Sinatle Media’ has become a target of “Georgian Dream” precisely because of the strong public support and solidarity it has received.
With society’s support, over three months, 22 online media outlets have collectively received nearly 100,000 GEL in donations. These funds helped us keep our offices, cover operational expenses, pay for website maintenance, and more. Every word of solidarity and every lari contributed by citizens is precious and encouraging to us.
Due to the report prepared by TV ‘Imedi’, in which Russian disinformation narratives and obvious lies hastily fabricated by local propagandists are intertwined, we are jointly appealing to the self-regulation body and demanding the retraction of the false information broadcast in the report. We also request live airtime to respond to these absurd accusations.
We, free journalists, stand together and will continue to carry out our professional duties with integrity so that the public may exercise its right to make informed decisions.”