On June 1, during a televised debate on “Rustavi 2,” Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze referred to the investigative Studio “Monitor” as a media outlet that “spreads lies.” Furthermore, he labeled one of the studio’s journalists as “ignorant” and “uneducated.”

The theme of the “Rustavi 2” debate centered on the challenges facing the capital. The Mayor’s visible irritation was triggered by a question from opposition politician Nika Oboladze. The inquiry concerned alleged corrupt deals involving the Mayor’s deputies, specifically Vice Mayor Irakli Khmaladze.Rather than directly addressing the issue, the Mayor of Tbilisi attempted to evade the question with the following response [Timecode: 1:05-1:06]: “He relied on Studio ‘Monitor,’ an outlet that has been caught in lies and fabrications. Including regarding me, by the way, on several occasions. Just recently, a few days ago, I caught a journalist in a blatant lie and exposed them… This is a clear example of how fabrications are manufactured in Georgia. Some ignorant, uneducated so-called journalist makes accusations, then an element posing as a politician repeats them, and you are left having to come out and defend yourself.”რუსთავი 2

Studio “Monitor” has published numerous investigative reports concerning corruptdeals linked to the Mayor of Tbilisi, including those involving Irakli Khmaladze. One of their most recent films, released on May 8, focused on the construction businesses of Kakha Kaladze’s friend, Giorgi Barvenashvili.

Note: It is worth noting that Kakha Kaladze has a history of using offensive and derogatory language toward journalists. The CMIS has documented numerous instances of such behavior.