Georgian Public Defender’s Office confirms sexual harassment of applicant by TV channel head

The Public Defender of Georgia has determined that Shalva Ramishvili, the head of the domestic, Government-affiliated POS TV channel, engaged in sexual harassment towards applicant Anania Gachechiladze during an interview session in 2018. 

The Ombudsman Office’s investigation found that instead of focusing on the interview’s subject matter, Ramishvili posed personal and inappropriate questions to Gachechiladze, made negative or sexual remarks about her appearance, and subjected her to unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature.

The case was cited by the Public Defender’s Office as “notable” as it marks the first instance that was identified as a form of hate speech prohibited by law. The Young Lawyers Association of Georgia advocated for women’s rights in this matter.

The Public Defender of Georgia has recommended that Ramishvili refrain from engaging in sexual harassment or creating environments that are offensive or demeaning to others’ dignity in the future, both in professional and personal interactions. Ramishvili has been instructed to report on the steps taken to implement this recommendation within 20 days.

The investigation relied on the evidence presented by Gachechiladze, as Ramishvili did not cooperate with the authorities. Ramishvili has criticized the conclusion as “biased and unsubstantiated”, noting “It’s all nonsense”. 

The opposition-minded Formula TV channel claimed last year the recording was made in 2018 during a meeting at the POS TV office.