Founders of Rustavi 2 - Jarji Akimidze and Davit Dvali - have released a statement, in which they note that today one person is standing between them and the restoration of justice and that this person is not Kibar Khalvashi.

The founders of the channel consider that Rustavi 2 should get free of the party influences in order to restore the function of a critical and impartial watchdog.

“Today, the events around Rustavi 2 and the current political situation can radically change the media environment in Georgia. In a country, where we do not have the mechanism of division of power, unhealthy processes are ongoing in the judiciary system and infiltration of Russian hostile forces can be seen in every sphere, we consider that it is vitally important to free Rustavi 2 of party influences in order to help the channel to restore the function of a critical and impartial watchdog.

For us - the founders of the channel and the main victims of the case - it is categorically unacceptable that the state does not do anything and we depend on the goodwill of one private individual. We will continue to fight for justice - the state is obliged to protect the grossly violated rights of Georgian citizens.

Today one person is standing between us and the restoration of justice and that this person is not Kibar Khalvashi. Justice will prevail only after Rustavi 2 will be returned to its owners”, reads the statement.