The Russian TV channel «Zvezda», which is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, has recently been covering the protests against the law «On transparency of foreign influence» (on «foreign agents») in Tbilisi. According to Tabula, on May 16th, the channel reported that the participants of the protests were using images of the leader of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists, Stepan Bandera.
The protests in Tbilisi began on May 12th, with thousands of people taking to the streets to protest against the controversial law. The law, which was passed by the Georgian parliament in 2017, requires NGOs that receive foreign funding to register as «foreign agents» and to disclose their sources of funding. This has sparked outrage among civil society organizations and opposition parties, who see it as a threat to their independence and a way for the government to silence dissenting voices.
The coverage of the protests by the Russian TV channel «Zvezda» has raised eyebrows, as it is known for its pro-Kremlin stance and often portrays events in a way that aligns with the Russian government’s narrative. In this case, the channel’s reporting has been seen as an attempt to discredit the protests and portray them as being orchestrated by foreign actors.
The use of Stepan Bandera’s image by the protesters has been a point of contention, with some accusing them of glorifying a controversial figure who collaborated with the Nazis during World War II. However, the protesters have stated that they are using Bandera’s image as a symbol of resistance against authoritarianism and foreign influence.
The Russian TV channel «Zvezda» has been quick to seize on this controversy, highlighting the use of Bandera’s image in their coverage of the protests. This has been seen as a deliberate attempt to link the protests to Ukrainian nationalism and to paint the protesters as being influenced by foreign forces.
The Georgian government has also condemned the use of Bandera’s image, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, David Zalkaliani, stating that it is «unacceptable to use symbols that are associated with aggression and occupation.» However, many see this as a diversion tactic by the government to deflect from the real issue at hand – the controversial law on «foreign agents.»
The Russian TV channel «Zvezda» has a history of using propaganda and misinformation to shape public opinion in favor of the Kremlin. This latest incident is just another example of their attempts to manipulate the narrative and discredit legitimate protests.
The use of Stepan Bandera’s image in the protests may be controversial, but it should not detract from the real issue – the threat to civil society and freedom of expression posed by the law on «foreign agents.» The protesters in Tbilisi are standing up for their rights and for the principles of democracy, and their use of Bandera’s image should not be used as a means to discredit their cause.
In conclusion, the coverage of the protests in Tbilisi by the Russian TV channel «Zvezda» is a clear example of propaganda and manipulation. By focusing on the use of Stepan Bandera’s image, the channel is attempting to divert attention from the real issue – the threat to civil society and freedom of expression in Georgia. It is important to see through these tactics and support the protesters in their fight for democracy and transparency.
