“Jaba Ananidze’s journalism investigation Property Gifted by Government, with no interference of the channel manager, will be on Channel 25 on May 27,” Jaba Ananidze told Media.ge following the conversation with the TV company Director Giorgi Surmanidze.

“Giorgi Surmanidze pointed out that Merab Merkviladze (co-founder of Channel 25) posted comments on Facebook on the ground of nervousness hence making a mistake,” Jaba Ananidze clarified to Media.ge and pointed out that the director of the Channel said no word about his dismissal.

Merab Merkviladze was demanding Ananidze’s discharge following his Facebook status. Former director of the channel considered the journalist, through his status, demonstrated bias and lack of professionalism.

The aforementioned status touched upon the documentary Property Gifted by Government featuring the hand-over of the property to the next of kin of founders of Channel 25 at a reduced price.

Reporting to Media.ge on May 14 Merab Merkviladze said he has got nothing against the investigation into the topic since you cannot restrict a journalist to study the property of any individual. But former director of the channel believes that relatives’ property has got nothing in common with TV activities. There is no fact or detail that would be indicative of any link between editorial independence and real estate handed over to any person. With the substantiation missing such assertive allegation is a crime, sabotage, attempt to discredit the television. It’s a lack of professionalism to say the least, individuals of the kind should not be working at TV,” said the former director.  

Giorgi Surmanidze on his side told Media.ge that he also dislikes the announcement made for the program. “But that is not essential. I am sure of our truth, I know what the program will be like, therefore no problem to issue the announcement of the kind. Just the opposite, we wish to have it on air and find out what is going on. I have got so many relatives, I should not be responsible for everyone’s property. Hopefully this program will prove we are right.”