Bail set at 40,000 GEL for former Rustavi 2 head

Bail has been set at 40,000 GEL for former director general of opposition-minded TV channel Rustavi 2, Nika Gvaramia, who stands accused of abuse of power during his time in the position.

Gvaramia also has been banned from leaving the country without the consent of prosecutors, who had demanded bail be set at 80,000 GEL.

• Ex-Director General of Rustavi 2 charged with abuse of power

Gvaramia denies the charges and refuses to pay bail, saying he would rather prefer to be imprisoned. Before the court hearing last night, he insisted to be either released or imprisoned.

He has one month to post bail. 

Despite the court verdict, Gvaramia thinks this situation is “rather profitable” for him, as “everyone will understand” now that he, as the founder of the opposition-minded television, is indeed being persecuted on political grounds to restrict his freedom of expression.

• Dismissed director of Rustavi 2 announces creation of a new channel

Gvaramia, who was dismissed on July 18 following the Euroepan Court of Human Rights verdict in the Rustavi 2 ownership dispute, has announced that he plans to open a new television company. 

The Georgian Prosecutor’s Office officially charged Gvaramia with abuse of power on August 9. The next court hearing has been set on September 30.