Anri Okhanashvili, the parliament legal affairs committee chairman, muted the microphones of opposition MPs who demanded an explanation for why online media journalists were not allowed to enter the parliament and attend the discussion of the Russian law.
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Khatia Dekanoidze, head of the Reforms Group, was the first to raise this issue.
"Unfortunately, not too many online media representatives were allowed to attend this session today..." Khatia Dekanoidze said before Anri Okhanashvili interrupted by turning off the microphone:
"It's a lie! It is my responsibility to turn off the microphone when misinformation is being spread and tell the truth. When you say that many people were not given the opportunity to attend, that is a lie. Here are representatives of non-governmental organizations, many of whom have asked to attend today's session as much as possible. Also, those who requested to attend on behalf of media organizations, we also gave them the opportunity. In case of misinformation, I will turn off all microphones!" Okhanashvili said.
Ana Natsvilishvili, a member of Lelo, called on the chairman of the committee to provide the public with complete information about who requested admission to the session, including online media and non-governmental organizations.
"What fraction of people and organizations that had a perfectly legitimate desire to attend did you allow? Present the justification why they are not here," said Ana Natsvlishvili.
"The public needs to know the truth, and that truth is that you did not allow too many media, as well as non-governmental organizations directly affected by this law, to enter this session. Among them, Interpressnews, represented by Natia Inauri, who has been working in this parliament longer than both you and me, despite my membership in the parliament of the third convocation, is not present. There is no Radio Liberty here. Perhaps you will agree that closing this session cannot change the truth that this law serves..." - said Tinatin Bokuchava, chairman of the United National Movement faction, before Anri Okhanashvili deprived him of the "right to use the microphone."
Today, the discussion of the Russian law on so-called agents, initiated by the ruling Georgian Dream, resumed in the Legal Affairs Committee. According to the decision of the Speaker of the Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, a yellow level of security was declared in the building of the legislative body, and entrance to the building was restricted to accredited journalists of online and print media.
Representatives from Interpressnews, Radio Liberty, Studio Monitor, Mtis Ambebi, Netgazeti, Publica, and other media outlets are unable to attend the committee meeting. The restriction does not apply to television media.
