Elections

For over a week now, the Armenian public has been subjected to another unedifying spectacle between the country’s political and spiritual leadership. Tirades posted on social media by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan targeting Armenian Catholicos Karekin II, who he accuses of fathering at least one child despite an oath of celibacy, have been incendiary. The allegation is not new. Armenian media even named an alleged daughter back in 2013. However, Pashinyan’s wife, Anna Hakobyan, further ratcheted up tensions by referring to some members of the clergy as paedophiles while not presenting any evidence.

Transparency International has denounced censorship conducted by the ruling party of Georgia including attempts to intimidate critical media and suppress independent journalism in Georgia and called  for international support to defend Georgian democracy and media freedom. In a statement released on 4th June, Transparency International said independent media in Georgia must be able to ask critical questions and demand answers from the government and noted that the legal intimidation of critical broadcasters is in direct contradiction to both the Georgian Constitution and the country’s international obligations.