Lincoln Mitchell, a Columbia University Professor who was an adviser of Georgian Dream commented on the recent developments in regard to Rustavi2 in an interview with the Voice of America.

Mitchell says that steps taken against Rustavi2 are unacceptable and worrying.

" Actions against the media freedom in Georgia are  really concerning. Muting not always productive and accurate, however,  very important in a political landscape of Georgia voice  of Rustavi2  is unacceptable. Media transparency not only measures the democratic progress, but also is very important for forming a democratic society. Without it Georgia will be in a very bad situation .

In a country like Georgia, where always is problem of the rule of law and are questions on the  judicial decisions , of course, this case will also be questioned.

Someone may say that this is court"s decision, but I don"t think that  anyone will believe it. After the government"s announcements on Rustavi2 it is difficult to believe that the decision was taken independently and there was no pressure from the Prime Minister or former Prime Minister,

This will be very problematic for Georgia. OF course, it doesn"t mean that Georgian Dream  is establishing dictatorship, or they are similar to UNM, or even worse.  This government came into the power on the condition that they would have contributed to development of democratic processes,’- said Lincold Mitchell.