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Georgia: Rustavi 2 went off air after protests

08 July 2019 07:13 (UTC +04:00)

In 7 July in a prime-time news show “Postscriptum” Giorgi Gabunia, anchor of the Rustavi 2 TV has insulted President of Russia Vladimir Putin using swear words. Georgia’s top level officials were quick to react to this act that they call a “provocation”. A protest, involving some pro-governmental activists is taking place at the TV station, APA reports quoting civil.ge.

Director General Nika Gvaramia said they are suspending broadcasts as several journalists and cameramen were attacked by protesters. “The Ministry of Interior could not ensure our security (…) there were threats of break-in into the building, things were thrown at the building,” Gvaramia said.

The unexpected escalation comes at a tense moment, when Tbilisi protests, triggered by the appearance of the Russian MP in Parliament Chair’s seat, are now in their 18th day. Russia has decried the protests as “Russophobic” and cut air travel, citing threat to Russian tourists.