Opposition warns of media crackdown as Georgian parliament votes on controversial law

The Georgian opposition has accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of attempting to silence independent media as parliament prepares to vote on a contentious new law.

Irakli Pavlenishvili, a leader of the opposition group Unity – National Movement, warned that the Georgian Dream party was seeking to shut down opposition television stations.

“Just as [Bidzina] Ivanishvili [the founder and honorary chair of the GD] no longer needs opposition parties, he no longer needs opposition television stations,” Pavlenishvili said. “Whatever law they adopt, they will use it against the Georgian people.”

The proposed legislation, which is being debated in its third reading, bears similarities to foreign agent laws. Critics warn it could be used to pressure independent media outlets and curb press freedom in Georgia.

The government insists the law is necessary for transparency and national security, but opponents argue it is part of a broader effort to suppress critical voices.