Iberia TV Stops Broadcasting

Founder of opposition-minded Iberia TV, Nato Chkheidze, says the channel has stopped broadcasting.

Chkheidze took to Facebook to inform society about the recent developments.

“Today, Iberia TV has stopped broadcasting. The government achieved their aim but confronting media will cost the Georgian Dream officials…It will have negative reverse results,” she stressed.

Chkheidze is the founder of Iberia TV and former MP of the Alliance of Patriots of Georgia (APG).  She spoke about the threat of closing down the TV station because its donor company Omega Group has financial crises, owing GEL 51 million to the state budget for not paying taxes.

In addition, Iberia journalists speak about pressure from the government through the creation of financial problems for Omega Group in order to “silence the critical voice.”

The authorities deny the accusations, saying everyone has to pay taxes.

Earlier this month, the Georgia’s Revenue Service (RS) reported that the property of Omega Group, which is the producer of tobacco products, will be sold at auction if the company does not pay its debt to the state, which accumulated as a result of not paying tax.

According to the statement, the Revenue Service has the right to sell the property of the company on the decision of two instance courts.

Iberia TV also spoke about pressure and financial problems in Omega Group in February 2018.

By Thea Morrison

Related stories:

Iberia TV Journalists Speak about Threat of Shutting Down TV Channel

Revenue Service: Omega Group Property to Be Sold on Auction

Omega Group Scandal Sweeps Georgian Headlines