The Coalition calls on the Parliament of Georgia to study the statements of Irakli Kobakhidze within the framework of the Code of Ethics of the Member of Parliament of Georgia.
On July 25, 2022, the journalist of Mtavari TV, Natali Jakhutashvili became the target of an aggressive verbal attack from the chairman of Georgian Dream Irakli Kobakhidze. [1] While performing her professional activity, Irakli Kobakhidze addressed the journalist with insulting phrases and used sexist language.
The Media Advocacy Coalition condemns the attack on the journalist by Irakli Kobakhidze and calls on the ruling party, Georgian Dream, to take measures to fulfill the obligations in the process of integration with Europe, which includes the government's responsibility to improve the media environment in the country.
It should be taken into account that the Code of Ethics of the Member of the Parliament [2] restricts the members of the Parliament of Georgia from speaking with inappropriate and offensive vocabulary with citizens. Also, an MP is obliged, while being on public duty, not to violate the honor and dignity of the persons in communication with them. The Coalition for Media Advocacy calls on the Parliament to consider this serious case and take appropriate measures within the framework of the Code of Ethics of the Member of the Parliament of Georgia.
The coalition once again appeals to the ruling party to immediately stop encouraging violence against journalists, using sexist and discriminatory language. Politicians shall abide to commitment to patience, must correctly answer the questions that may even be uncomfortable for them.
[1] video https://bit.ly/3RWDGXr
[2] Code of Ethics of the Member of Parliament of Georgia https://bit.ly/3z9Q7Gt