“Since 2004 Georgia has experienced a significant progress toward freedom of speech; although part of the society has the right not to be content with this level of freedom”, – declared Lomaia in a talk-show Unknown Caucasus on October 15. Unknown Caucasus is a joint project of Utsnobi radio and Kavkazia TV Company; it is aired daily on the broadcaster.
“Political debates on Public Broadcaster will be held systematically; additionally, two private channels – Rustavi 2 and Imedi – are planning to air political debates in the nearest future. As a result of the parliamentary opposition’s mediation, the National Communications Commission and Maestro Cable TV reached an agreement on airing political debates on Maestro TV. This is an acceptable and normal process”, – declared Lomaia.
According to the Secretary of the Security Council nowadays the political opposition is no longer prevented from the ability to express its opinion through media. “Unlimited airtime is dedicated to the opposition in the evenings on Public Broadcaster; not a single European country has the similar practice”, – declared Kakha Lomaia. At the same time Lomaia declares that “media faces the lack of qualified and experienced human resource”.
“All of the above indicates that freedom of speech, most important part of a democratic society is being developed and the dynamics are positive”, – stated Lomaia. Political opposition, journalistic community and human rights organizations are accusing the authority of disregarding democratic values and restraining freedom of speech; they cite the authority’s control imposed on Rustavi 2 and Imedi TV Companies by Kakha Lomaia as an example, as well as using administrative sanctions against Maestro.