Russian Media on Gabunia’s Offensive Speech

A number of Russian media platforms reported on the offensive speech of Rustavi 2 TV journalist Giorgi Gabunia and the subsequent developments in Tbilisi.

“Georgian opposition TV channel Rustavi 2 has suspended broadcasting due to protests held in front of the building of the TV Channel. The demonstrators demand apologies for the offense, rephrased by the anchor Giorgi Gabunia, towards Russian President Vladimir Putin and call for the closure of Rustavi 2,” reads the article of Commersant (Коммерсантъ), published on the night of July 7-8.

The article also notes the statement of Nika Gvaramia, CEO of the company, regarding the suspension of programming, as well as the responses of Georgian Government officials to the case, condemning the way of address chosen by the journalist.

Timur Shafir, Executive Secretary and International Director of the Russian Union of Journalists, commented on the speech of Gabunia, calling it an eccentric ploy of an inferior individual, which “has no connection with journalism.” Shafir told Ria Novosti that the behavior of the Georgian journalist was unprofessional and disgusting.

By Ketevan Kvaratskheliya

Related story: Rustavi 2 TV Host Gabunia Offends Vladimir Putin during His Show