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Opposition Maestro TV channel broadcasting suspended in Tbilisi

Georgia Materials 30 November 2011 11:45 (UTC +04:00)
Broadcasting of the opposition TV channel Maestro was suspended in Tbilisi this morning. However, this was not due to power problems, but because of confrontation between TV channel owners and Management Company
Opposition Maestro TV channel broadcasting suspended in Tbilisi

Georgia, Tbilisi, Nov.30 / Trend, N. Kirtskhalia /

Broadcasting of the opposition TV channel Maestro was suspended in Tbilisi this morning. However, this was not due to power problems, but because of confrontation between TV channel owners and Management Company.

On Wednesday morning, the management company head, one of the leaders of opposition Georgian party Erosi Kintsmarishvili, arrived at the television company offices and removed the company's CEO Ilia Kikabidze from office.

At the same time Mr Kintsmarishvili enlisted the television company's security team and escorted the former CEO from the premises. One of the founders of the company Levan Chikvaidze called the patrol police and accused Mr Kintsmarishvili of capturing the TV Company's building.

At the moment, proceedings are underway between Maestro's owners and managers and journalists cannot enter the TV Company's building.

As Mr Kintsmarishvili said, his company has the right to manage Maestro and therefore his actions are legitimate.

Yesterday, the television company's founders accused Mr Kintsmarishvili of attempting to influence the TV channel's editorial policy and exerting pressure on journalists.

Meanwhile, talks are underway with billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, who has also decided to join politics and intends to make a bid for Maestro.

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