Georgian Parliament official criticises Moldova over denial of accreditation to Imedi TV crew

Davit Matikashvili, the chair of the parliamentary committee on procedural issues and rules, on Thursday sharply criticised Moldova’s decision to deny accreditation to Imedi TV, stating that such actions are unsurprising from authorities who “do not value their own country’s sovereignty and independence”.

“What should surprise you from the authorities and officials of a country that do not value their own sovereignty and independence? What should surprise you from a government that sided with the aggressor during the violent events of October 4?” Matikashvili said.

According to the MP, Moldova’s authorities acted “shamelessly and dishonestly”, demonstrating intolerance toward free speech and differing opinions.

“Under conditions where they are unable to listen to free speech and different opinions, they dared to take this step. In their own country, they shut down one television station after another and ban political parties one after another, and now they have decided to interfere in the free environment of another country”, Matikashvili stated.

He also emphasised that the Moldovan people remain Georgia’s historic friends, but accused Moldova’s current government of attempting to weaken the country’s sovereignty in order to facilitate integration into the European Union.

According to Matikashvili, Georgia will continue maintaining a “one-sided friendship regime” with Moldova despite the disagreement.

Commenting on possible reciprocal measures, the lawmaker said that if a similar situation were to arise, Tbilisi would also make an appropriate decision and “no one would be able to prevent it”, while adding that “free speech is not restricted in Georgia”.