Georgia: Pro-Opposition Television Channel Likely Out of Action for Special Election

A representative of News Corp., controlling shareholder of Georgia's pro-opposition Imedi television channel, says the station's equipment was destroyed during a raid, adding that it appears unlikely the outlet will be able to resume broadcasting until after the Georgia's special presidential election in early January. Imedi's inability to broadcast could have a significant impact on campaign coverage, potentially diminishing Georgia's ability to conduct a free and fair vote.

Georgian Special Forces raided the pro-opposition media outlet late on November 7 shortly before President Mikheil Saakashvili imposed a state of emergency. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. As they acted to pull the plug on the station, security troops reportedly destroyed equipment. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. Under terms of the state of emergency, all broadcasters, with the exception of the government-controlled public television channel, are prohibited from airing news programming for 15 days.

Andrew Butcher, a New York-based spokesman for News Corp., said the 15-day news ban was irrelevant given the extent of property damage at the station. "Every piece of electrical equipment was smashed or broken and they injured several journalists and members of staff," he said. "We estimate the extent of damage is so severe it will take at least three months to become operational again, and of course, presidential elections have been scheduled for 60 days time. Everything's down; TV, radio, internet