“Disgusting act of provocation”: Georgian authorities condemn the abuse of the leader “Rustavi 2” against Putin

The Georgian authorities, as well as Russian politicians, journalists and public figures, strongly condemned the behavior of the leading Georgian TV company Rustavi 2, George Gabunia. On the evening of July 7, on the air of his authoring program, PS, for almost a minute, he insulted not only Russian leader Vladimir Putin and his “slaves”, but also the late parents of the president.

Immediately after the appearance of this passage on the air, a large number of Georgian citizens condemned Gabunia’s speech, posting outraged posts in social networks and expressed concern that after the journalist’s demarche, Russian-Georgian relations would worsen even more. Closer to the night, people began to gather at the station’s office for a spontaneous rally condemning the incident.

The press service of President Salome Zurabishvili said that the head of state "unconditionally condemns the words of hatred, verbal aggression, insults and provocative statements", which the journalist "Rustavi 2" allowed himself. It is noted that such actions "run counter to all Georgian traditions, serve only a split and increase in tension in the country, in relations with Russia and in the region."

Georgia’s President unequivocally condemns hate speech, verbal agression, insults and statements made today on @ Rustavi2tv. It is a tradition to live up to the Georgian traditions.

“Patriotism is different, and the protection of the interests of the country by aggression, destabilization and unrest does not occur. Our path is a peaceful path, our perspective is Europe, and our strength is stability, ”Zurabishvili added to the apparatus.

They noted that such actions are either a new provocation of war, or an attempt to revenge the unfinished coup d'état.

“In any case, this action is directed against the country!” He allowed himself that which is not allowed to Georgia! This is called damage to state interests, ”Zurabishvili stressed.

In turn, Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze also accused the journalist of provocative and unacceptable behavior.

“What we observed today at Rustavi 2 is nothing but a disgusting act of provocation and an attempt to destabilize our country. This is completely unacceptable, ”Bakhtadze wrote on Twitter.

Whatever you want to destabilize our country, it’s nothing. Something that is totally unacceptable!

At the same time, the general director of Rustavi 2, Nika Gvaramiya, stated that the television company does not support the expression of obscene language, although the PS program is author's. However, he did not apologize for the expressed by George Gabunia.

“I am not going to apologize for the mate, as I fully support this pathos. But I think that this position could be conveyed in two words, ”Gvaramia said.

Moreover, the general director of Rustavi 2 called the words of condemnation from the Georgian authorities an attempt to interfere in the affairs of the TV channel and an attempt to censor.

The former speaker of the Georgian parliament, Nino Burjanadze, called on the authorities to respond to this incident as soon as possible, “to immediately launch an investigation and, taking into account the interests of the state, to take adequate measures.”

Russia also condemned the behavior of Gabunia, which occurred against the background of the entry into force of the temporary ban on direct flights between the Russian Federation and Georgia. Thus, Ruslan Balbek, a State Duma deputy from the Crimea, expressed an opinion in an interview with RT that Russia will continue to adhere to its political line regardless of such provocative manifestations.

“The leading matcher does not paint either television or the country's image. But Russia is above such insults and let it remain in Georgia. We have a clear policy towards Tbilisi, and no matter how much we are not scolded and praised, we are not going to change our political principles. So, the flights to Tbilisi will not be resumed until the hooligans on the street and on television are reassured there, ”said the parliamentarian.

In turn, journalist Vladimir Solovyov, in his Telegram channel, noted that such behavior should be punished with a ruble, especially since this is not the position of a specific person, but the position of the channel. The position of the official authorities of Georgia, who directly called Russia “enemies and occupiers”, does not cause the journalist to doubt either.

“After the abomination of Georgian TV today, did someone still have illusions? Someone else wants to play hard in pronouncing eternal mantras about “high culture, hospitality, common values ​​and public diplomacy” ... You just have to punish with a ruble. Air service already stopped. Tourist flow fell. But this is only the beginning, ”said Solovyov.

He did not rule out that the next step could be the introduction of restrictions for Georgian goods on the Russian market - until Tbilisi’s position changes and Georgia will not be ready for constructive dialogue.

“We don’t have to fight for their market, but for ours. Stop feeling forever all due and in all guilty, “- said the journalist.

Commenting on the Rustavi 2 broadcast, media manager and TV host Tina Kandelaki expressed the view that the TV channel (whose beneficiary is Mikheil Saakashvili) “struck the bottom and could no longer descend.”

According to her, apologies from both the Georgian authorities and the leadership of Rustavi 2 are hardly necessary for Vladimir Putin, but remain "the only way to save the remnants of a person in a country where such a broadcast is possible."

“I’ve been talking for 10 years about Mikhail Saakashvili’s a criminal, a scoundrel and a scoundrel. His place is not in a civilized society, but in prison for all that he has done with Georgia and the Georgian people. People like him are the cause of the bloodiest slaughter leaving behind the ruins, ”Kandelaki wrote.