The Georgian National Communications Commission reports, that according to the Georgian Law on Broadcasting, Article 75 the use of radio frequency spectrum without a licence or granting is prohibited and punishable under the Administrative Code of Georgia.

Unauthorized Broadcasting and use of the radiofrequencies by the Public Broadcaster of Russian Federation and Russian State Radio-station “Vesti FM” in Georgia, namely on the territory of the former Autonomous Republic of South Ossetia, city of Tskhinvali and beyond its administrative borders, as well as city of Gori were established in the report of the Commission dated August 29th 2008.

The examination of the matter was set to October 3rd, 16:00 hr.  Administrative Proceedings began on 15th of September 2008, about which the Public Broadcaster of Russian Federation and Russian State Radio-station “Vesti FM” were notified. The Parties were also introduced to their rights of presenting proofs and solicitation, as well as the familiarize oneself with the case documents and other material of the proceedings according to the Administrative Code of Georgia. The Parties were also notified that according to the regulatory rules for the activities of the Georgian National Communications Commission, the matter will be examined in case of the default and if the party was notified and there is no solicitation for the postponing of the examination of the matter.

On the 3rd October 2008 the Representatives of the Public Broadcaster of Russian Federation and Russian State Radio-station “Vesti FM” were absent.

As a result of the examination of factual circumstances and proofs Georgian National Communications Commission established the fact of unlicensed broadcasting and the usage of the Georgian radiofrequency specter. The Public Broadcaster of Russian Federation and Russian State Radio-station “Vesti FM” were both fined, each with 50,000.00 GEL, as well as the urgent request for the immediate stoppage of unlicensed broadcasting and the usage of the Georgian radiofrequency specter on the Georgian territory.