The program Akhali Kvira (New Week) has been on the air of the First Channel of Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) for four years. Our feature stories always accentuated problematic and acute topics. Our priority is to cover people’s problems objectively and protect public interests.

It is a matter of dignity for Akhali Kvira team to address any issue objectively and impartially. In connection with the developments around the program, we explain that the team has adhered to the professional standards since 2018 in an independent and free environment.

Therefore, we the undersigned journalists, deny the released opinion about censorship: Tamar Gogesashvili, Tamar Odisharia, Ninutsa Kakhniauri, Bela Zakaidze, Ana Nodia, Nata Tabidze, Otar Giorgadze, Anuki Maskharashvili.

In a statement released on February 17, the GPB stated: “In response to the targeted campaign aiming to tarnish its reputation, Georgian Public Broadcaster’s First Channel states that no project, including Akhali Kvira (New Week), has been closed, and all members of the broadcasting team so far are the GPB paid employees. GPB First Channel will broadcast a reviewed program in which the Akhali Kvira team is engaged.”