Georgian protests heat up: Calls for TV chief's resignation
A demonstration took place in Tbilisi in front of the headquarters of the Georgian public television. The protesters demanded the resignation of the station chief, accusing it of lacking objectivity. Some of them entered the broadcaster's building.
On Saturday afternoon, demonstrators gathered in front of the Georgian public television headquarters in Tbilisi, demanding the resignation of the station chief. They accused the broadcaster of lacking objectivity and being manipulated by the authorities as a propaganda tool. Some protesters entered the building, as confirmed by the Echo of the Caucasus service.
The protest was held under the slogans "Public Liar" and "Unmask the Regime". Participants emphasised that the television, funded by taxpayers' money, does not objectively report events in the country. The leader of the Daitowe movement, Ilia Glonti, stated that the media is fighting against society, and that Georgia's public broadcaster should not be involved in propaganda.
Protests in Georgia. Crowds gather in Tbilisi
The director general of the broadcaster, Tinatin Berdzenishvili, came out to the protesters. She offered activists and opposition members a live appearance in front of the cameras in the evening.
The Polish Press Agency spoke with one of the demonstrators. Tamuna Kuchaleishvili, a 31-year-old resident of Tbilisi, has been protesting against the pro-Russian government in Georgia for years.
Kuchaleishvili emphasises that freedom is the most important thing to her. She cannot imagine living in a country where she cannot freely express her views.
The protests in Tbilisi gather participants from various age groups. The oldest participants are retirees, disappointed with the Georgian Dream's government, which has lasted for 12 years. The younger generation considers themselves Europeans.
The demonstrators do not have clear demands, but they aim to show the world their presence and determination. Kuchaleishvili expresses hope that a leader will eventually emerge to guide Georgians towards change. The protesters use whistles, firecrackers, and fireworks, chanting slogans in favour of Georgia, symbolising their desire for victory and freedom.
