Georgia
Georgian comms regulator moves to block funding from TV Formula
It is the first time a public warning has been issued to Georgian media related to foreign funding.
Davit Kezerashvili
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Davit Kezerashvili
Georgian former Defence Minister gives up controlling share of Formula TV
Georgian former defence minister and media magnate Davit Kezerashvili has announced he is transferring half of his controlling share of TV Formula to the company’s ‘collective’, but will continue to finance the channel. In a statement on Tuesday, Kezerashvili announced that he would transfer the other half of his 51% stake to the company ‘after the end of oligarchic rule’ in Georgia, a reference to the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili. Prior to his
Davit Kezerashvili
Georgian former defence minister accused of running ‘billion-dollar scam’
A BBC investigation has accused Davit Kezerashvili, a Georgian former defence minister and opposition media owner of being behind an international ‘billion-dollar’ scam network. Kezerashvili denies the allegations. The investigation into call centres in Georgia and Ukraine that defrauded people through fake investment schemes reportedly lasted more than a year, and focused on a group of call centres reportedly linked to Georgian former defence minister Davit Kezerashvili. Kezerashvili serv
Davit Kezerashvili
Georgian opposition leader accuses former officials of plotting against him
The chair of Georgia’s largest opposition party, the United National Movement (UNM), has accused former senior officials of attempting to sabotage his leadership. In a 17 January interview with TV channel Pirveli, Nika Melia accused the former Interior Minister (2004–2012) Ivane Merabishvili and ex-Defence Minister Davit Kezerashvili (2006–2008) of covertly plotting against him, including in the upcoming party leadership election. Melia described a 9 November call for internal party electio
Davit Kezerashvili
Georgian Dream vs Kezerashvili: the end of Formula TV?
Formula, a pro-opposition TV channel, potentially faces foreclosure as the Georgian government seeks millions of dollars in damages from its owner, sparking concerns over media freedom in Georgia among watchdog groups. Founded in 2019 by Davit Kezerashvili, Formula quickly became an influential opposition television channel in Georgia. Government officials and members of the ruling Georgian Dream party have refused to appear on Formula’s programmes and have often accused it of belonging to
Bidzina Ivanishvili
Georgian Dream's ‘anti-oligarchy law’ set to bypass Ivanishvili and target his rivals
A proposed anti-oligarchy law aimed at curbing the political influence of the rich in Georgia, has been heavily criticised by opposition figures. It appears to threaten critics of the ruling party and leave its founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili, unaffected. The draft package was introduced to parliament by Georgian Dream party on 10 October. It defines an ‘oligarch’ based on wealth, political and media influence, and being the beneficiary of a monopolistic business. While anti-oligarchy meas
Davit Kezerashvili
Former Georgian Defence Minister and media magnate found guilty in absentia
Four years after he was acquitted in the Court of Appeals, the Georgian Supreme Court has found former Georgian Defence Minister Davit Kezerashvili guilty of misappropriating state funds. On 7 September, Georgia’s Supreme Court sentenced Davit Kezerashvili, the former Defence Minister (2006-2008) and owner of TV channel Formula, to 10 years in prison. The Court found Kezerashvili guilty of embezzling €5,060,000 under the auspices of a combat training project organised by the Defence Ministr
