National Movement suggests protests for Rustavi 2 defense

Oppositional National Movement Party suggests holding of permanent protests and applying to all legal forms of protest to protect Rustavi 2 TV Company. Tents are set up in the courtyard of Rustavi 2 TV in protest of the ruling made by Grand Chamber of Supreme Court on March 2 into Rustavi 2 case. 

Supporters and ordinary citizens are gathered outside TV Company building. All sides agree that struggle for freedom of speech should continue. Coordination Council consisting of representatives of 9 parties held a sitting in one of the tents to discuss future action plans. 

Lawyers of Rustavi 2 TV Company will file an application in the European Court of Human Rights against the ruling made by Grand Chamber of Supreme Court on March 2 into Rustavi 2 case. Lawyers already demanded use of temporary suspension of enforcement mechanism. They are also preparing a complaint to be submitted into Constitutional Court. Former owners, brothers Kramanashvilis are intended to begin international dispute as well. 

"In spite of the fact that this is a very complex mechanism and needs very serious efforts, we are going to try it in any case. On Friday we’ll file an application with the European Court of Human Rights. Let's see how it all goes. I also call on the Constitutional Court to consider our lawsuits and finally make a decision on the unconstitutionality and the retroactive effect. If these two claims are satisfied, of course, this decision will be automatically canceled," Nika Gvaramia, General Director of Rustavi 2 TV said.

Nika Gvaramia, General Director of Rustavi 2 TV Company offered Kibar Khalvashi, new owner of Rustavi 2 to sell TV Company to its current management team after the new owner said he did not rule out selling the broadcaster in the future. "Transfer 100 percent of Rustavi 2 to these people and we will satisfy your commercial interest," Gvaramia said in a televised address. However, Khalvashi refuses the offer.