Page 55 - GEORptFeb21

Most broadcasters operating in Georgia are at the same time authorised persons in the field of electronic communications and this provision will apply directly to them, the Georgia Young Lawyers Association (GYLA) stressed in ​a press release​ o​ n the topic.
The revised law would allow the Commission to appoint special managers to these broadcasters, make management decisions "and intervene in editorial decisions", GYLA warned.
According to the initial draft of the revised law, in the case of the suspension or revocation of the broadcaster's licence, this decision would take effect immediately and, until the court issued a decision to suspend it, the broadcaster would have to suspend its activities, something which would cause significant damage to its activities, GYLA commented.
However, this last provision—in fact, an amendment to the Law on Broadcasting debated concomitantly—was dropped by those who drafted the bill.
GYLA also criticised the fact that the bill has not been subject to a mandatory regulatory impact assessment.
Those behind the amendments argued that immediate consideration of the bill "is necessary to ensure state and public safety." The amendments were passed several weeks after an opposition TV channel came under investigation for allegedly misinforming the population about actions of the authorities in relation to the response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
According to the final version of the amendments to the Law on Electronic Communications, the special manager would be authorised to appoint and/or dismiss company director(s) and member(s) of the supervisory boards (if any). It would be empowered to file lawsuits in court against contracts or deals made up to a year before his/her appointment and demand their annulment.
The special manager would have the right to suspend or restrict the company’s right to distribute profits, dividends and bonuses, or to increase salaries. It would also have the right to perform other functions of the company’s governing body except for the selling of its assets or shares.
In a July 17​ ​statement​, R​ eporters Without Borders (RSF) accused the parliament, led by the ruling Georgian Dream party, of attempting to "control radio and television channels" under the guise of a “crusade against disinformation”.
9.1.11 ​Renewable energy sector news
Georgia shuts down main power producer for three months
Enguri hydropower plant (HPP), the largest electricity producer of Georgia and also the power supplier to the Russian-occupied region of Abkhazia, will be closed for repairs for three months from January 20. While the dam is closed, Abkhazia will receive electricity imported from Russia. Shutting down the Enguri HPP would not damage the energy system, as seasonal production was minimal at this time, Georgian Economy Minister Natia Turnava said.
As for how Abkhazia will be supplied with electricity during this period, it has already been announced that the separatist region will receive imported electricity from Russia under bilateral agreements not involving Georgia. Director of Enguri HPP Levan Mebonia said that the renovation of the HPP had already begun, but the plan was to completely repair an essential tunnel, which required the closure of the HPP until the end of April.
Mebonia said that during the shutdown of the HPP, Georgia would lose more than 400mn kWh of electricity.
55​ GEORGIA Country Report​ February 2021 ​ ​www.intellinews.com