Giorgi Gabunia, Acting Director General of Mtavari Channel says he has requested US Ambassador Kelly Degnan to use “all levers” to ensure the release of imprisoned head of the channel Nika Gvaramia “and the freedom of the Georgian media at all.”

Degnan met the representatives of Formula TV, Pirveli TV, TV Caucasus and Mtavari Channel on Wednesday, shortly after the imprisonment of Gvaramia on May 16 for abuse of power while chairing Rustavi 2 TV.

Gabunia noted that he had positive expectations from today's meeting, but could not talk about the details as it was held behind closed doors.

Gvaramia has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison.

He and the opposition, as well as local NGOs said that the charges were politically grounded. However, the Georgian Dream authorities dismiss the accusations and say that everyone is equal before the law.