17 May 2024,   16:14
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Government is interested in circumventing Strasbourg decision - opposition criticizes government on "Rustavi 2" case

After the Minister of Economy, additional statements were  made by the majority in connection with the Strasbourg court`s decision on Rustavi2.

Members of the ruling party also talk about the importance of protecting the property rights, however, they claim that the right to property and freedom of speech should be equally protected.

"There has been talk about the fact that we are distancing ourselves from Europe and the European Court`s decisions for us are not important. In this particular case, the Georgian justice system has already issued a decision. The case was transferred to the European Court of Justice which does not check the problems with respect to property , but studies whether there has been a violation in relation to the freedom of speech, "- explained David Matikashvili.

The opposition believes that the government is interested not in protection of property rights, but in changing Rustavi 2 editorial policy and in circumventing the Strasbourg court`s decision.

"Government statements underline their attitude to property rights, they are interested only in one thing, to change the editorial policy of the Rustavi2. The government is interested in finding some way to circumvent the decision of the Strasbourg and reach the only outcome that critical voice of Rustavi 2 is no longer heard, "- said the UNM member, Zurab Chiaberashvili.

The European Georgia accusses the government in oppression of Rustavi2.

"We are in a very bad track, it seems. The criticism of the European Court means playing with fire, and above all it is the refusal of the legal framework, which we joined years ago, it is the Human Rights Convention. Therefore, this is the way directly to Russia, "- said Giorgi Tugushi.

Economy Minister commented on this topict wice yesterday . George Gakharia said, questioning the right of ownership is a larger problem than freedom of expression.

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