The Communications Commission fined Media Union Obiektivi 5000GEL for broadcasting programmes in Russian language, and instructed it to immediately remove the programmes in question from the broadcasting schedule.

The case concerns the political show Kvelas Gasagonad (‘For Everyone to Hear’), which was shown on Obiektivi in Russian language. The programme in question exceeded the length set by COMCOM, as well as it was broadcasted in foreign language without subtitles.

According to COMCOM’s resolution and the Law of Georgia on Broadcasting, authorised broadcasters may show programmes in foreign language if their length does not exceed 10% of the prime time period. The broadcaster must also provide subtitles in Georgian language for any programme broadcasted in foreign language.