Rustavi 2 TV channel holds protest rally in Tbilisi
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Tbilisi-based, private broadcasting company Rustavi 2 is holding a protest really in central Tbilisi this afternoon.
TV channel staff, Rustavi 2 supporters and opposition politicians gathered in front of the parliament building at 2.30pm.
A case concerning the ownership of the TV channel is currently being reviewed by the Supreme Court.
Rally organisers say that they suspect the justices of the Supreme Court have been subject to pressure from the government, and for that reason a verdict against the TV channel is expected.
The crowd was first addressed by Deputy Director and Rustavi 2 anchor Zaal Udumashvili.
"Today we should stand together to tell the Government that they can never touch freedom of speech in this country. They will not be able to break us from the inside”, Udumashvili said.
"I want to encourage you to stand strong. It’s you who make decisions for our future”, he said while addressing those in attendance at the rally.
Udumashvili’s address was followed by speeches by other anchors and leaders of the TV channel.
Prior to the rally, Rustavi 2 resumed programming that the TV channel had suspended late on Friday night in protest. Currently the channel has returned to normal broadcasting.
Due to the rally, Rustaveli Ave in central Tbilisi had been closed to vehicles since 2pm this afternoon. Free movement has fully restored by 4.45pm.
Rustavi 2, a Tbilisi-based, private broadcasting company, announced the suspension of programming late last night. A case concerning the ownership of the TV channel is currently being reviewed by the Supreme Court.
The Court of Appeals of Georgia upheld a previous ruling by Tbilisi City Court, which ruled the only legal owner of 100 percent shares of the private TV company was Qibar Khalvashi, the channel’s former owner.
The verdict about the much anticipated Rustavi 2 case has been delivered today - Tbilisi City Court ruled the only legal owner of 100 percent of shares of the TV company was Qibar Khalvashi, the channel’s former owner.
A statement made by the director of private broadcasting company Rustavi 2 TV, which has become the subject of a legal depute between its current and former owners two months ago, is causing a stir and gaining a range of assessments in Georgia.