The management of Mtavari Arkhi, a leading independent Georgian media outlet, has issued a statement accusing co-founder Zaza Okuashvili and his appointed director, Gogi Kurdadze, of deliberately undermining the channel. According to the statement, these actions align with the goals of the ruling Georgian Dream party and allegedly constitute criminal offenses.
The channel claims that Okuashvili is systematically dismantling the media outlet, which has been a critical voice in Georgia for five years. Mtavari Arkhi reports that its satellite signal has already been cut off for regional and international viewers due to non-payment of accumulated debts by Kurdadze to service providers. The statement alleges that Kurdadze has also blocked the use of funds held in the channel’s sales account, refusing to authorize payments and threatening partner companies with baseless accusations.
The statement stresses that from February, the situation is expected to worsen, with the channel facing widespread signal blackouts on major cable television networks. Furthermore, advertising has been suspended for a month, as contracts with sponsors and sales agencies were not renewed under Okuashvili’s directive.
The outlet has also lost access to audience rating data, and journalists are reportedly struggling to cover events live due to the suspension of equipment services over unpaid bills.
Zaza Okuashvili’s and Gogi Kurdadze’s actions represent an intentional effort to damage the company and shut down a critical media outlet, the statement reads. The management accuses the two of serving the interests of the Georgian Dream and alleges that their actions display clear signs of criminal activity.
The channel’s leadership calls on supporters to stand by them during this crisis, warning that the moves against Mtavari Arkhi represent a broader threat to freedom of speech and independent journalism in Georgia.
