Ex-President Saakashvili denies closing Imedi TV, blaming staff and former anchor for TV’s shutdown

“After business tycoon Badri Patarkatsishvili was exposed for attempting a coup, his own journalists believed the allegations and shut down the television channel themselves,” former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili stated during today’s court hearing, where the former General Director of Imedi TV, Irakli Rukhadze, was questioned as a witness regarding the 7 November 2007 crackdowns.

“TV Imedi was not closed down by Saakashvili; Imedi was shut down by its staff, Giorgi Targamadze shut it down,” Saakashvili said.

He added that grievances regarding the Imedi closure should not be directed at him.

“What grievances do you have against Saakashvili? Badri Patarkatsishvili closed the television station himself after his journalists refused to obey him—full stop,” noted Saakashvili.