Unfortunately, the ongoing process in Adjara TV and Radio company is a continuation of the negative trend in the country that is aimed at deteriorating the media environment and strengthens doubts about possible political interference,- NGOs said in a statement released on April 19, assessing the impeachment of Adjara TV and Radio Company Natia Kapanadze.

“I assess the decision of the advisory board negatively. Regrettably, the advisory board shared the arguable arguments of those, who have initiated the impeachment and did not take the progress, achieve by the TV company under Natia Kapanadze’s leadership, into consideration,” the statement reads.

According to the NGOs, the progress of Adjara TV and Radio company has been recognized by many local and international organizations, including OSCE/ODIHR observation mission and Human Rights Watch.

The statement was published by the Transparency International - Georgia, Georgian Reforms Association, Atlantic Council of Georgia, Regional Center for Strategic Research and the Center for Research Journalism and Economic Analysis.

Natia Kapanadze, Director of Adjara TV and Radio Company, has been dismissed. Four out of five members of the advisory board of Adjara TV and Radio Company supported Kapanadze’s impeachment today. A complaint requesting Kapanadze’s impeachment was lodged with the board of advisors on April 10, by two board members – Giga Chkhartishvili and Irakli Dartsmelidze.