Former Director of Rustavi 2 Attacked in Tbilisi

During a court session at the Tbilisi City Court, the former director of the Rustavi 2 television station, Nika Gvaramia, was struck in the face. This was reported by Sputnik Georgia, citing the Mtavari Arkhi TV channel. Gvaramia was acting as the lawyer for Giorgi Rurua, co-owner of Mtavari Arkhi, who is accused of illegal possession of firearms.

According to the TV channel, the police successfully detained the assailant, who, along with three others, is being interrogated by law enforcement officials. Gvaramia, who previously led the opposition channel Rustavi 2, was removed from his position in July of last year after the channel changed ownership.

In August, he announced the establishment of a new television station called Mtavari Arkhi. Later, the Georgian Prosecutor's Office accused him of intentionally causing over two million dollars in financial damage to Rustavi 2.

The court has set bail for Gvaramia at over $13,000. In December, Gvaramia announced that he was leaving Georgia with his family, as reported by RIA Novosti.