Tbilisi (GBC) - Zaza Okuashvili, the founder of the TV company “Main Channel”, released a statement on Tuesday, blaming its “informal manager” Nika Gvaramia for the shutdown of the TV company.
“At a time of crisis in Georgia, while I am engaged in legal proceedings in London and Stockholm against Ivanishvili and his government, Nika Gvaramia (Co-Chairman of political party “Ahali”) through a deliberate campaign, is forcing me to issue public responses.
The suspension of Mtavari Arkhi’s broadcasting was carried out under Gvaramia’s orders and through an unlawful decision by the channel’s current General Director, falsely claiming that I ordered the shutdown, to discredit me.
Prior to the shutdown and statement, Mtavari Arkhi proposed paying an initial amount of 1 million on the condition that my appointed director, Giorgi Kurdadze, would declare to the National Bank of Georgia and the General Prosecutor’s Office that he no longer believed illegal activities occurred at the channel. Additionally, Kurdadze was being pressured to sign unlawful documents they had prepared. They threatened a new smear campaign against me if he refused.
As the founder, my demand is clear: the ongoing illegal financial operations, fraud, and money laundering at Mtavari Arkhi must cease immediately. The General Director Giorgi Gabunia, must be replaced. Rather than Giorgi Gabunia, a professional, credible individual—trustworthy to the public—should be appointed. Nika Gvaramia’s proposal to appoint his wife, Sopho Liluashvili, is not acceptable for me.
Mtavari Arkhi must continue broadcasting lawfully and without obstruction. The unlawful shutdown, ordered by Nika Gvaramia, who acts as the channel’s informal manager, and carried out in violation of the law and the channel’s statute, will be addressed by my legal team of British and American attorneys”, - the statement reads.
