Political parties, NGOs sound off on Rustavi 2 ownership case
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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.
Current Director General of one of Georgia’s largest TV channels, Rustavi 2 has offered to purchase the company's shares from its current owner Kibar Khalvashi.
Georgia’s Supreme Court has delivered a verdict in the ownership case of one of Georgia’s largest TV channels, Rustavi 2.
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.
Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili has called on the public to refrain from incendiary actions with respect to the Rustavi 2 case verdict and to await for the decision of the Constitutional Court and the European Court of Human Rights.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has temporarily suspended the enforcement of the March 2 verdict of the Georgian Supreme Court regarding the ownership of broadcasting company Rustavi 2.
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili announces plans to establish a Media Ombudsman in the country, and invites "the most reputable” international media experts to join in the initiative.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has further extended its earlier decision to suspend the enforcement of the March 2 verdict of the Georgian Supreme Court regarding the ownership of broadcasting company Rustavi 2.
The reforms of recent years have brought improvements to Georgia’s media landscape, says French-based international non-profit organisation Reporters Without Borders (RWB).
Nino Nizharadze, who inherited nine percent of shares of Rustavi 2 – one of the largest private companies in Georgia - from her husband Gogi Gegeshidze, is demanding 28 million GEL (about $10.3m/€9.2m).
Georgian Justice Minister Thea Tsulukiani has dismissed the allegations of Rustavi 2 private broadcaster director Nika Gvaramia regarding the government’s interest in shutting down the opposition-leaning channel and stated that no decision might be enforced by state agencies concerning the channel Rustavi 2 until the European Court of Human Rights delivers a verdict in the broadcaster’s ownership issue.
Founders of one of Georgia’s leading private broadcasters, Rustavi 2, David Dvali and Jarji Akimidze, who founded the channel with now deceased politician Erosi Kitsmarishvili in 1994, have asked for the continuation of the investigation around the ‘illegal seizure of the channel from lawful owners’ in 2004, under the United National Movement leadership.
The Georgian Chief Prosecutor’s Office says that the investigation into the possibly illegal seizure of the Rustavi 2 private broadcaster under the United National Movement leadership in 2004 continues, despite the 15-year limitation period of the case expired on June 16.
Nino Nizharadze, a nine per cent shareholder of the opposition-minded Rustavi 2 channel, has addressed the Georgian Chief Prosecutor’s Office to launch an investigation against the channel director, former Minister of Justice Nika Gvaramia.