The Regulatory Commission ordered Stereo+ to disconnect the Ninth Channel and to pay a penalty for all provided services. Other events that unfolded in parallel: The capital’s mayor prohibited operation of radios in mini buses; somebody shot at journalist Ia Tinikashvili on Gori highway, near Mejvriskhevi village; supporters of the Georgian Dream were subjected to various types of pressure; famous athlete received threats, etc. Witnesses and victims claim that after the visit of American Secretary of State the facts of human rights abuse instantly soared up in number.

The U.S. ambassador in Georgia John Bass touched the problems in Georgian media and other challenges . As the ambassador said in an interview with newspaper “Rezonansi”, the opinions are based on his observation during his stay in Georgia for three years.

Statement by Independent Association of Georgian Journalists

The Independent Association of Georgian Journalists, comprising more than 150 journalists, is deeply worried by the detention of Mr. Gela Mtivlishvili, Head of Kakheti Information Center and demands urgent investigation into the case.

A new Tbilisi-based TV channel, co-owned by leader of opposition coalition Georgian Dream Bidzina Ivanishvili’s wife, launched broadcast late on Monday evening with its main news bulletin.

Most popular and reliable newspaper – Georgian language Kviris Palitra Newspaper keeps this title for over ten years by now, as various polls and surveys indicate.

To train Georgian journalists how to deal with possible attacks against journalists and carry their voice to the international community in case of any pressure on professional journalism, the International Federation of Journalists launched a new 3-year project in Georgia. 

‘Palitra Media is spreading a declaration regarding information put up on the website of Tbilisi Forum several days ago:

In its previous issue, Georgian Journal wrote about a certain tender, which was held by the National Agency of Public Register in gross violation of law and tender rules just for the sake of ensuring the victory of newspaper ‘24 Hours’ in the tender. Transparency International Georgia researched the issue and found out that the Public Register violated the rules when it announced this simplified tender during holidays.

‘Director of the new TV Company excludes political interference’  TV Company ‘Igrika’ known as Channel 9 that belongs to the oppositionist billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili faces a plethora of problems. But, as it’s known, in the beginning of April it’ll go on air any way. Here is a brief interview with Kakha Bekauri, director of Channel 9: