The Tbilisi City Court has ordered the opposition television channel Formula TV to pay 10,000 lari in moral damages to “Georgian Dream” supporter and film director Goga Khaindrava.
The lawsuit centered on a news report that Khaindrava deemed to be a false accusation and defamation. The report alleged that Khaindrava was involved in an alleged corruption scheme and a scheme for the illegal entry of foreign nationals into the country.
The lawsuit had previously been described as an attempt to intimidate and pressure investigative journalists.
In connection with this case, the Council of Europe’s Platform to Promote the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists issued an alert.