“Young Barristers” would like to comment on the statement made by Khatia Khurashvili, a press secretary of the Georgian National Communications Agency, in response to the application submitted to the Commission by “Young Barristers” about the issue of alleged violation of the Georgian legislation on Broadcasting and Advertising by TV Channel  Rustavi 2.

„I’m too busy now to consider such issues. Today is the last day before we move to the digital broadcasting. You can call me tomorrow and I’ll comment on the statement made by Young Barristers, I am aware what they say. I have absolutely no time for the issue now, neither me, nor Commission or the country should have time for this now” – stated Khatia Kurashvili with “Guria News” on June 30, 2015.  

“Young Barristers” urges Vakhtang Abashidze, a Chairman of the Georgian Communication Commission to oversee public statements, made by the employees as well as their activities, which fail to meet ethical standards and  rules of public relations. The organization puts forward the issues of the public interest and that kind of  irresponsible attitude towards such issues, which should have been initially initiated by Commission itself, is nothing more, but greatest disrespect of the society, to whom they should serve.  Georgian National Communications Commission should be more careful and patient with the statements made on behalf of the Commission in order not to become a dispute  party. Khatia Kurashvili’s statement, no matter how busy she may really appear to be, doesn’t leave an impression, that Georgian National Communication Commission is going to be objective and not tendentious while discussing the issue  in the future as well.  Press-secretary expresses position of the Commission. It is her direct obligation. And the statement made by Mrs. Kurashvili is a demonstration of disrespect of human right defenders, organizations and citizens  having particular or even indirect interest in the issue. The organization would like to ask Mr. Kakhi Kurashvili, a Head of the Legal Department of the Commission, to define the meaning of “public interest” for those, who need such definitions. In addition, it would be also interesting to find out, what is the criteria for employment in Georgian National Communications Commission, what are such benefits, resulted from their work to justifying 11.000 and 12.000 monthly salaries of the Commission employees, why does the “free press” never get interested in researching such issues and how long should the country’s leading agencies suffer with nepotism and lack of education.   

“Young Barristers” hopes, that Georgian Communications Commission won’t violate our, as the consumer’s rights and discuss the application within reasonable terms. The organization also hopes, that the Chairman of the Commission, who has a rich proffessional experience and for whom public relations has always been a priority issue, will oversee future activities by  his press secretary and certain internal disciplinary norms will also be applied.