"Mtavari Channel" is punished demonstratively - punishment by the Bekauri Commission

Regulatory Commission has fined "Mtavari Channel" 58 000 GEL.  The reason for the punishment was a broadcasting of political advertisement, which referred to the activities of the chairperson and members of the election commission after the elections were rigged.

According to the channel's lawyer Tamta Muradashvili, the decision is completely illegal and the regulator used the maximum fine of 58 thousand GEL according to the article explaining the fine, while the minimum amount is 5 thousand GEL.

"The regulatory commission fined us for a non-existent violation. They told us that political advertisements were aired on November 6-7. They found a relevant article in the Election Code, which they should have been guided by, and sanctioned us with the law on broadcasting," said Tamta Muradashvili.

According to the lawyer, this is clearly a political decision that  was supported by Kakha Bekauri, Vakhtang Abashidze, Merab Katamadze and Eliso Asanidze.

"They were demonstratively punished by the "Mtavari Channel" for their critical editorial responsibility and the political advertisements that aired," the lawyer said.

The "Mtavari Channel" will appeal the decision in court.