The Georgian TV channel Rustavi 2 changed its owner and fired the presenter who swore at Putin
The new owner of the Georgian television company Rustavi 2, Kibar Khalvashi, fired the general director of the channel, Nika Gvaramia, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
The radio station “Moscow Speaks” reports this.
Earlier, Khalvashi, into whose possession Rustavi 2 was to be transferred again, announced this intention on Facebook. According to the businessman, it was Gvaramia who contributed to the fact that several years ago he lost his television company. “Gvaramia, who was actually appointed by the regime that took the company from me, will not be able to continue working in the company either as a journalist or, of course, as CEO,” Khalvashi said.
He promised not to interfere in the editorial policy of the television company. “Freedom of speech and expression will be guaranteed,” the entrepreneur assured. Paata Salia has been appointed the new general director of the channel.
Rustavi 2 stopped broadcasting after swearing at Putin
The presenter swore at the Russian president live and provoked protests.
On July 18, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) deprived Saakashvili’s associates of the rights to Rustavi 2. The ECtHR concluded that the legal owner is Kibar Khalvashi. In March 2017, the Supreme Court of Georgia already ruled to uphold the transfer of the television company to the former owner.
Let us remind you that on July 7, on the air of Rustavi 2, journalist Georgiy Gabunia showered Russian President Vladimir Putin with curses. His words provoked a rally outside the editorial office. The channel apologized for the employee’s statements; he was suspended for a time, but was not fired.
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