Georgian PM slams BBC over report backed by radical activists

Responding to questions about a recent BBC investigation, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday sharply criticised the broadcaster, saying the network’s reliance on the findings of the Chakhunashvili family reflects poorly on its journalistic standards.

“The fact that the BBC relied on the Chakhunashvili report already speaks volumes about the level of standards at this television network. This level is very low. Everyone knows that the Chakhunashvilis, father and son, have been enthusiastic participants in radical rallies. One of them even took part in a storming of the presidential palace. When the BBC relies on such individuals, it is a tragic development”, the PM said.

Kobakhidze further expressed regret that a network once regarded for its high reputation is now spreading false information.

“More detailed information will be provided by the Minister of Internal Affairs, but I can tell you in advance that, unfortunately, the BBC has disseminated absolutely false information. International media cannot operate according to the same standards as so-called fake television in Georgia. Yet we see that the standards have been completely equated in a negative sense. Even a simple lie can be committed by a television network - this time, it was BBC, which is very unfortunate. A lie is a lie; everything else is secondary. When the BBC dares to lie, it deserves a proper assessment. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will provide facts proving this falsehood and will give detailed information on the lies committed by BBC”, he continued.

Kobakhidze also addressed the content of the report, noting that the specific substances mentioned in the BBC investigation were misrepresented.

“These materials were originally obtained in 2009. The particular substance named in the report is not present in the material at all. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will provide detailed information on what lies the BBC has spread. The substance could be diluted in a water spray, but the issue is what substance it actually is. The BBC lied exactly about this. The Minister of Internal Affairs will share detailed information on this matter”, the PM concluded.