Ruling party Kutaisi mayoral candidate sues opposition-minded channel head, journalist

Soso Khakhaleishvili, the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party’s mayoral candidate in western city of Kutaisi. has sued the head of the opposition-minded Mtavari Arkhi channel, former official under the United National Movement (UNM) government, Nika Gvaramia, and the channel journalist Eka Gagua ‘for spreading fake information which insulted him, his honour and dignity.’ 

Khakhaleishvili is demanding 55,555 GEL in compensation from the channel. 

He claims if he wins the case, the money will be transferred to charity foundation Kutaisi. 

Khakhaleishvili came second in the mayoral race on October 2. 

However, neither the first runner from the UNM Khatia Dekanoidze, nor him garnered the mandatory 50%+1 vote to win the elections. 

They are scheduled to compete in run-offs on October 30.