Coordinated by GDI, civil society organizations dedicated to media freedom, along with broadcasters, have submitted recommendations to the Georgian National Communications Commission. The submitted document focuses on comments and suggestions regarding the guidelines established by the Georgian National Communications Commission on hate speech, incitement to terrorism, and obscenity.
It's important to highlight that the National Communications Commission has devised guidelines for the implementation of Article 552 and Paragraph 3 of Article 561 of the Law of Georgia “On Broadcasting”. This document has been disseminated to civil organizations and broadcasters, enabling them to review its contents and provide pertinent comments and recommendations to the regulatory commission.
Recognizing the potential risks that similar regulations might pose to freedom of expression and media, civil organizations and broadcasters thoroughly examined the principles formulated by the commission. Subsequently, we orally presented our recommendations to the representatives of the National Communications Commission. It is noteworthy that the commission acknowledged and incorporated some of the recommendations provided into the document.
However, it is imperative for the Commission to consider additional recommendations outlined in the document we have prepared. This document, stemming from an analysis of both national and international practices, highlights recommendations crucial to consider during the implementation of new regulations. This is essential to maintain a fair balance between regulating hate speech and obscenity on one hand and safeguarding media freedom and freedom of expression on the other. Failure to do so may lead to an unreasonable constraint on media freedom.
We remain hopeful that the regulatory commission will give due consideration to our recommendations and integrate them into the guidelines. Furthermore, we also aspire that in the future, should there be a necessity to revise the principles formulated by the commission, it will continue to engage in an inclusive process involving civil organizations and broadcasters.
As a reminder, on October 19, 2023, the Parliament of Georgia enacted amendments to the Law of Georgia "On Broadcasting." These amendments vested the Georgian National Communications Commission with the authority to oversee the use of hate speech and incitements to terrorism, as well as programs containing obscenity.
The following civil society organizations and broadcasters worked on the recommendations:
● Georgian Democracy Initiative (GDI)
● The Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics
● Rights Georgia
● TV company “Formula”
● LTD “Mtavari Arkhi”
● LTD “TV Company Kavkasia”
● LTD “TV Company Pirveli”
