Georgian Public Broadcaster defends dismissal of journalists, citing legal grounds

The Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) has released an official statement defending the recent dismissal of journalists Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani and Nino Zautashvili, calling the move “fair, impartial, and legally justified.” The broadcaster also confirmed that disciplinary sanctions have been applied to four additional staff members.

The employees facing disciplinary action include Realuri Sivrtse’s correspondent Tamar Mshvenieradze; show host Ioseb Katsitadze; control room director and part-time sports channel director Kakha Melikidze; and branding and promotions director Irma Chubinidze.

Ioseb Katsitadze disclosed the disciplinary action against him by sharing a directive from GPB Director Tinatin Berdzenishvili on social media. The directive stated that he has been formally reprimanded and warned that any further violations within the next 12 months will result in termination. Katsitadze commented online, “There’s no way I’ll stay silent for the next 12 months. Tomorrow, I plan to appear on Formula’s midday show,” raising speculation that his dismissal could soon follow.

The broadcaster indicated that investigations into other employees are still ongoing.

GPB initiated the internal investigation after several staff members publicly criticized the organization’s editorial policies, its political neutrality, and how it fulfills its public service mandate. The management has dismissed these claims as baseless and damaging to the organization’s reputation.

“The public statements made by some of the individuals involved have exhausted the potential for a constructive working relationship, making continued cooperation impossible. We emphasize that the Georgian Public Broadcaster is an independent media organization governed by national legislation and internal regulations aligned with international standards,” the broadcaster stated.

GPB further warned that “attacks on editorial independence and the spread of false allegations aimed at damaging the broadcaster’s image and reputation—regardless of their source—will not go unanswered.”