General Director of Rustavi 2 TV Company Paata Salia says that deceptive deals have been concluded with contractor companies including with InterMedia and the profit, which Rustavi 2 was supposed to receive went to another company.

When speaking about staff changes already launched in the TV Company, Salia said that many professionals worked for Rustavi 2 and they would continue working without pressure and free of influence.

“At this stage, it is important that calmness is kept at TV Channel and that Currier maintains criticism. . .  But criticism has to be grounded on arguments. Any government and authorities need watchdogs. I believe that Rustavi 2 and its journalists have the power to continue working independently,” Salia said.

Several employees have been dismissed from Rustavi 2 TV Company. As Salia said during the news briefing, conflict of interests and the financial damage inflicted to the TV Company had served as the reason for dismissal.

The dismissed employees include Head of Information Service Nodar Meladze, Giorgi Laperashvili, Giorgi Gabunia, Eka Kvesitadze and Nanuka Zhorzholiani.

According to Salia, several other employees are planned to be dismissed from work after their return from summer vacations. Journalist Nino Shubladze is presumed to be one of the candidates for the post of Head of TV Company’s News Department.