Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani
Affiliated media: Public Broadcaster, Journalist
Incident date: April 11, 2025
Attack type:
- Dismissal / involuntary dismissal / forced quitting of the profession / expulsion from the educational institution
Who attacked: Non-authorities
Source: Radio Liberty Georgia Office
Location: Georgia, Tbilisi
Additional information:
The Georgian Public Broadcaster has terminated the contract of journalist and news anchor Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani, citing “damaging the reputation of the broadcaster” as the reason. This decision was based on his public statements criticising the channel’s editorial policies — the same grounds previously used to dismiss other employees. For months protests have been ongoing against the Public Broadcaster, with demonstrators demanding impartial coverage of current events in Georgia. The broadcaster has been widely criticised for its pro-government stance, with both current and former employees speaking out about internal bias and editorial pressure. Chikovani, who previously hosted a news bulletin, publicly supported fellow journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli — who was recently imprisoned — during his broadcasts. Shortly after expressing solidarity on air, he was suspended from hosting duties and ultimately dismissed.