The Communications Commission upheld the complaint lodged by the political union Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia against TV Pirveli and Formula, and issued violation protocols to the broadcasters. The case concerns the political advertising submitted by Georgian Dream, which was taken off the air by the broadcasters. 

The TV stations initially aired the video clip, but after a few days, both broadcasters removed the advert from the network due to a possible violation of the law. The TV companies believe that placing the disputed advert may violate hate speech regulations under the Law of Georgia on Broadcasting, or the regulations under the Law on Advertising. 

The parties presented their cases at the public session held by the Communications Commission today. The Commission ruled that the disputed political advert does not appear to incite hatred or violence. The video clip produced by the electoral entity serves to present the pre-election vision of the political union. Thus, the advert does not violate the requirements under the current legislation and the broadcaster was obliged to air it. 

In light of the above, the Communications Commission upheld the complaint lodged by the political union Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia against Mtavari Arkhi and issued the broadcaster with a violation protocol due to its refusal to air the political advert submitted by Georgian Dream.