NGOs. have responded to the developments around Rustavi 2 and the decision to freez its assets.

NGO representatives have issued a special statement.

The decision is likely to prevent Georgia"s top-rated private TV station from full-fledged functioning.

"Rustavi 2"s editorial policy has been the subject of government officials` public criticism not once. Against this background, the legal actions against the company have been undertaken for the first time. Despite the fact that the dispute over Rustavi 2 TV company is of a private legal character, based on the general political context, there is a reasonable suspicion that political interests may be behind the whole process. This suspicion is confirmed by the authorities ` statements. In order to secure Georgia"s media freedom and development of pluralism it is necessary to dispel doubts which can be done by conducting the process in a transparent and impartial manner not hindering the normal functioning of the station. Such development may be particularly dangerous in the period of the 2016 parliamentary elections, when pluralism and diversity of opinions are crucial for the fair and equal election environment "- is said in the statement.