NGOs Link Dismissal of Adjara TV Director to Possible Political Interference
By Tea Mariamidze
Tuesday, April 23
The non-governmental sector has negatively assessed the dismissal of Adjara region public broadcaster Natia Kapanadze, saying this will have a negative impact on the media environment in the country.
“We negatively assess the decision of Council of Advisors of the Ajara TV and Radio of a Public Broadcaster to dismiss TV Director Natia Kapanadze prematurely…The ongoing process in Adjara TV and Radio is a continuation of the negative trend in the country, which is aimed at worsening media environment and strengthens doubts about possible political interference,” the joint statement of 10 non-governmental organizations reads.
The NGOs say that the Council of Advisors shared the controversial arguments raised by the initiators of the impeachment, and did not take into account the progress made by the station under Natia Kapanadze directorship, which had been reflected in various reports issued by the local and international organizations, including the OSCE/ODIHR Election observation mission and Human Rights Watch.
Kapanadze was dismissed by the Board of Advisors on April 19. Four members out of total five supported her dismissal, initiated by two board members Giga Chkhartishvili and Irakli Dartsmelidze on April 10.
The two men listed 17 issues in their complaint, which, according to them, give solid grounds for starting the impeachment procedures. Among the issues are alleged misappropriation of funds, tenders and procurements and “discriminatory and unfair remuneration system.”
As announced by the TV company, the broadcaster will announce within 10 ten days competition to select a new director. Until then, Natia Zoidze, former deputy director, will serve as an acting director.
Kapanadze says it is the “interference into the editorial policy” of the broadcaster and is going to file a lawsuit to the court.
“We see that some people do not want our editorial independence and of course I will have to protect my rights,” she stated after the sitting of the board.
Georgian Press Association Director Lasha Tugushi says the recent developments in Adjara TV are politically influenced.
“Independent and balanced leadership at Adjara TV is not favorable for the ruling team first of all. And we see the consequences…I think this process is linked to the upcoming elections in 2020,” said Tugushi, who was attending the impeachment process.
Opposition parties also believe the process is government-orchestrated.
“Kapanadze, who was distinguished with her high-level professionalism and impartiality, became the victim of these repressions,” Tina Bokuchava, opposition United National Movement MP said.
European Georgia also sees political links in the recent developments.
“Everyone, including local and international institutions, supports Kapanadze as a decent and unbiased director of the TV company, but Bidzina Ivanishvili, Elene Khoshtaria, European Georgia member said, referring to the founder and Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Sopio Kiladze, Chair of the Human Rights Protection Committee, says there are questions around the case and if Kapanadze can prove she was unfairly dismissed, the committee is ready to study the case.
It is not yet officially known who will be the candidates for the broadcaster Director post.
