The Communications Commission has upheld the complaint filed by European Georgia against Imedi TV and issued the broadcaster with a protocol for violating the legislation. The case concerns a paid political advert submitted for placement by European Georgia, which Imedi refused to broadcast.

Teleimedi cited two reasons for refusing to broadcast the advert. First, the video clip was not submitted in accordance with the terms of the agreement on pre-election advertising. More specifically, the advert was not accompanied by a letter and media plan. Secondly, the advert features foreign national Mikheil Saakashvili, which violates the terms of the Election Code of Georgia that prohibit foreign nationals from conducting or participating in pre-election canvassing.

During today’s public meeting, the Communications Commission heard the arguments from both sides and found that in the first case, Imedi TV failed to provide evidence for the circumstances that were cited by the company as the reason for refusing to place the advert. With regards to the appearance of a foreign national in the advert, the Commission found that the use of a picture of Mikheil Saakashvili in the video clip cannot be interpreted as his participation in pre-election canvassing, as such participation constitutes a voluntary act that involves certain actions by the individual.

Following from the above, the Communications Commission has upheld the complaint filed by European Georgia against Imedi TV and issued the broadcaster with a protocol for an administrative offence for refusing to place political advertising.