The Council of Europe’s Platform for the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists has sounded an alarm over the criminal investigation launched against the Formula TV company.
This was prompted by a statement from the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia on launching a criminal investigation into the TV company’s alleged commission of a crime under the article on knowingly making a false report against director Goga Khaindrava.
According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the case was initiated based on a petition filed by Khaindrava’s lawyers. The agency also reported that Khaindrava himself has already been questioned, and investigative actions have been carried out in the case.
As part of the investigation, the Prosecutor’s Office summoned journalist David Kashiashvili for questioning. He is scheduled to appear for questioning on Monday at 16:00 and intends to attend.
The investigation was triggered by a report claiming that in 2016–2017, Goga Khaindrava, in coordination with the State Security Service of Georgia, organized the entry of Indian and Pakistani citizens into the country in exchange for financial reward.
Following the broadcast, Khaindrava went to court. A civil dispute between him and the Formula TV company is currently ongoing. He claims that the channel disseminated false and defamatory information and is seeking compensation for moral damages over harm to his honor and dignity.
On June 16, a hearing on the case was held at the Tbilisi City Court, during which Formula representatives presented 120 pages of evidence. As a result, the preliminary hearing was postponed to July 1.