Political parties, NGOs sound off on Rustavi 2 ownership case

The Government of Georgia believes the independence of Rustavi 2 – one of the country’s largest private broadcasting companies – will be guaranteed under the global new leadership of Kibar Khalvashi.

A public statement issued by the Georgian Government promises to ensure a pluralistic media environment.

We strongly believe that respect for the decisions of democratic institutions is essential to the development of the country. At the same time, the government will spare no effort in ensuring that media freedom and the freedom of speech is protected”, the statement reads.

Yesterday the Supreme Court of Georgia ruled that Rustavi 2 shares will be returned to former major shareholder Khalvashi and his company Panorama LTD.

Supporters of Rustavi 2’s current management are currently gathered in front of its offices protesting the court’s verdict.

The protesters claim they will remain on the premises and prevent anyone from entering the building to "execute the illegal verdict”. Opposition party member of European Georgia Davit Bakradze says they will not accept the court decision.

United National Movement members held internal consultations in tents outside the company’s building today. UNM leader NIka Melia said the party will remain on the ground indefinitely.

Both opposition parties believe the TV company should remain in the hands of Nika Gvaramia, a former state official during Mikheil Saakashvili’s presidency who currently holds the position of Director General at Rustavi 2.

Established in 1994, the broadcasting company has changed ownership numerous times between 2004 and 2012.

19 NGOs released a joint statement expressing concern over the decision of the high council of the Supreme Court in favour of Khalvashi.

The organisations believe this verdict is against Georgia’s prospects for democratic development, limits the freedom of the media and a pluralistic media environment and the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration.

The US Embassy to Georgia said the court decision "could effectively limit the access of opposition voices to Georgian broadcast media”. The embassy addressed the Government of Georgia "to take steps to ensure that the media environment remains free, open and pluralistic”.

A statement from the French Embassy in Tbilisi reads:

France is attentively following the situation concerning the Rustavi 2 TV channel which represents Georgia’s main opposition media outlet. France reaffirms its commitment to press freedom, which supports the development of democratic society.

Khalvashi promises to retain current Rustavi 2 staff and to make the channel accessible and productive for all of Georgia.