Rustavi 2: Use of Incident between Opposition Members Part of Campaign against TV

Irakli Imnaishvili, the Executive Director of Rustavi 2 Broadcasting Company, has responded to the recent verbal confrontation between Mamuka Khazaradze, the leader of the political party 'Lelo', and Aleko Elisashvili, the chairman of the party 'Citizens,' during a live broadcast on 'Rustavi 2,' expressing concern due to the fact that Khazaradze got the impression that the incident that took place on January 19 on 'Night Courier' was pre-planned and artificially arranged. 

"A particularly important task for Rustavi 2 is to present different positions and create a platform for dialogue.

"We are sorry that Mr. Mamuka Khazaradze got the impression that the incident that took place on January 19 on 'Night Courier' was pre-planned.

"Our viewers know that the main editorial value of the 'Night Courier' is mutual respect. The purpose of the show was not to stage a show or artificially confront politicians.

"However, the format of the program was violated and the situation could not be de-escalated live. Rustavi 2 failed to create a constructive environment for guests.

"We apologize to our viewers and guests of the show. The use of the incident of January 19 is part of a deliberate campaign against Rustavi 2 by a group that has once tried to shut down a TV station with 26 years of history. The history of Rustavi 2 is a mirror of the recent history of Georgia.

"Unfortunately, there was a time when the TV station was openly pursuing the interests of a political group. After losing control of the TV station, they are trying to oust Rustavi 2 and slander the people employed here.

"Our editorial task is to be a platform for all parties, to give them the opportunity to express their views. Since the beginning of the political crisis, we try to facilitate the solution of the problem through dialogue. This is also mentioned in the media monitoring study commissioned by the European Union and the United Nations Development Fund. We will do our best to maintain a platform for dialogue that allows viewers to listen to all political forces and make informed choices," reads the statement released by the CEO of Rustavi 2. 

For the record, last night, a verbal confrontation occurred between Mamuka Khazaradze, the leader of the political party 'Lelo', and Aleko Elisashvili, the chairman of the party 'Citizens,' during a live broadcast on 'Rustavi 2.'

By Ana Dumbadze

Related Story: Verbal Confrontation Between Opposition Leaders Khazaradze, Elisashvili