At the plenary session, the Parliament of Georgia reviewed and approved, in the first reading and under an accelerated procedure, the draft law on amendments to the Administrative Procedure Code, with 80 votes in favour.

The draft law introduces a new chapter to the Administrative Procedure Code, regulating the administrative proceedings initiated by the National Communications Commission to obtain confidential information about broadcasters from commercial banks or microbanks.

As stated by Archil Gorduliadze, Chair of the Legal Issues Committee, “During the spring session, Parliament amended the Law on Broadcasting to prohibit broadcasters from receiving direct or indirect funding from foreign sources or foreign powers. This measure aims to shield the public from external influence and ensure access to unbiased, factual information. In order to verify whether broadcasters are complying with this rule, the Communications Commission must be able to request relevant financial data through a court order. This mechanism is designed to discourage any attempts to bypass the law and secure foreign funding illicitly. Under the proposed amendment: the court of first instance will be required to make a decision within 14 days; the party concerned will have 48 hours to appeal the decision; the appellate court must consider and issue a decision within 10 days".

Additionally, A. Gorduliadze clarified that a decision by the Communications Commission to impose a sanction will remain in effect during legal proceedings, unless the court specifically rules to suspend authorisation.

“At the same time, individuals’ rights remain protected under the principle of a fair trial. A party may request a suspension of the measure as interim relief, provided they submit appropriate justification", - A. Gorduliadze added.