Targeted Revenge Against Trialeti — The Government Is Shutting Down Independent Media!
The report aired by Trialeti TV — specifically about the new head of the State Security Service, Gori native Anri Okhanashvili, appointing his best man, Kote Buzaladze, as mayor of Gori - triggered political retaliation.
In response, the authorities have imposed a debt collection enforcement (incasso) on the TV company for a tax debt dating back 10 to 15 years.
This decision significantly restricts the operations of the TV and radio company and threatens the continuation of its broadcasting. The station will no longer be able to pay for electricity, internet, signal distribution, or staff salaries, which will result in the suspension of both television and radio broadcasts.
The legislation in Georgia provides the possibility to restructure tax debts. This means not shutting down the media outlet, but rather granting reasonable deadlines to gradually repay the debt.
There are also other mechanisms designed not to close businesses, but to help preserve and develop them.
We are not asking for debt forgiveness!
We are demanding only justice — give us the opportunity to work and repay the debt within the framework of the law.
Do not stop our broadcasts because of the reports and interviews that aired on our channel!
Do not punish Trialeti for free speech!
Do not shut down a 35-year-old TV station that was the first to support you and played an important role in bringing Bidzina Ivanishvili and the Georgian Dream government to power!
At that time, you also supported media freedom!
We appeal to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze:
Do not shut us down!
Give us a reasonable deadline to repay the debt!
Do not sacrifice free media for political revenge!
