Georgian Supreme Court starts consideration of opposition Rustavi 2 TV case

The Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court of Georgia has started consideration of the ownership dispute over the largest opposition TV company – Rustavi 2. The court session is held behind closed doors, without the hearings. Representatives of the parties do not attend the court session. When the court is going to announce its ruling is still unknown. The Supreme Court should finally decide, whether the broadcaster will be returned to its former owner or will be maintained by the incumbent ones.

Meanwhile, a protest rally, organized by the TV company administration and supporters, is underway outside the Supreme Court building. Rustavi 2 TV officials claim, the rally participants won’t disperse until the court ruling is announced. Among those, who address the rally participants, are journalists, representatives of various political parties and public figures. They blame the authorities of the attempts to restrict the freedom of speech and call on the judges not to execute the government’s order.