From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 2010 Georgian news report hoax
2010 Georgian news report hoax
The 2010 Georgian news report hoax describes a fake The fake news report, which heavily utilised footage
news report, or mockumentary, aired by Georgian televi- from the 2008 war in South Ossetia,[3] began by Imedi
sion station Imedi TV on 13 March 2010. accusing the Georgian opposition of the organisation of
protests in Tbilisi due to alleged fraud in the Tbilisi city
The broadcast elections which were scheduled for 30 May. During the
protests, unknown gunmen opened fire on the protes-
Special Report is a weekly programme which is broadcast tors, killing some. As a result, the opposition pleaded
on Imedi TV on Saturdays at 8:30pm. On 13 March 2010, for the international community to assist in ousting the
Imedi brought forward the programme to 7:59pm, the "Saakashvili tyranny".[4] Following the protest in Tbilisi,
timeslot allocated to Chronicle. Chronicle which runs at an ambush in the South Ossetian capital of Tskhinval oc-
8:00pm is a major source of information for Imedi TV curred, which killed the President of South Ossetia Ed-
viewers.[1] uard Kokoity. Moscow announced that it held proof of
The beginning of the broadcast carried a disclaimer the involvement of Georgian security services in the
that what was to follow was possible "if Georgian society Kokoity assassination, which Russia deemed to be a ter-
is not brought together against Russia’s plans." Natia rorist attack.[4] Allegedly pro-Russian opposition politi-
Koberidze, the regular Special Report anchor, opened the cians, led by Nino Burdzhanadze and Zurab Nogaideli
program with the words "Have you ever thought about travelled to Tskhinval and accused Saakashvili of the
the end of Georgian statehood? Probably yes, because we killing of Kokoity.[2][4] After the assassination, Russian
have already seen this threat in the summer of 2008", ref- Army troops were mobilized and put on high alert. Geor-
erencing the 2008 South Ossetia war.[2] gian Army troops were mobilized, and took defensive po-
sitions around Tbilisi with heavy artillery. A people’s gov-
ernment with Burdzhanadze at the helm declared the gov-
ernment of Saakashvili "illegal".[4] Other Georgian oppo-
sition politicians who were held up as collaborators with
the Russians included Zurab Dzidziguri, Kakha Kukava,
Koba Davitashvili, Levan Gachechiladze and Giorgi
Khaindrava.[3] Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is
shown, with a Georgian voiceover, allegedly saying
“Since the Saakashvili regime began open terrorism
against South Ossetia, this international criminal must be
stopped. I have ordered a military operation, and call on
the Georgian people not to resist the troops that bring
them freedom.” [4][5] The broadcast then showed Russian
tanks, which were based in the Akhalgori region in South
Ossetia, entering the Georgian capital, and several Ge-
orgian battalions were reported to have defected and
sided with the people’s government.[4] Saakashvili is pro-
nounced as having possibly been assassinated, which was
allegedly announced by the Movement for Fair Georgia;
the political party headed by former Georgian Prime
Minister and current opposition politician, Zurab No-
gaideli.[2][4] However, other reports had stated that
Saakashvili was alive in a hidden location and still in
command. The broadcast stated that the West stood by
and issued only "halfhearted protests".[4] Making out it
was a delayed cross, United States President Barack Oba-
ma is shown standing at a podium outside the White
President Mikheil Saakashvili was reported to have been assas- House, in what appears to be a Rose Garden briefing, with
sinated in the fake report.
United States Vice-President Joseph Biden standing be-
hind Obama. Koberidze announced to the audience that
1
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 2010 Georgian news report hoax
there was a breaking development, with Obama allegedly Nino Burdzhanadze, the leader of Democratic
making a live statement. With a Georgian voiceover, Oba- Movement-United Georgia opposition party, stated her
ma appears to be demanding that the Russians "stop the belief that Saakashvili ordered the programme aired to
military campaign" against the Georgians.[2] The male increase Anti-Russian sentiment and to tarnish the Ge-
anchor then announced that United States Secretary of orgian opposition.[10][19] Burdzhanadze’s party also an-
State Hillary Clinton was travelling to Moscow.[2] A nounced that it will file a lawsuit against Imedi.[22][23]
speech said to have been given by President Saakashvili Former Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze
is shown, where he stated that Russia wanted to become condemned the programme and said that it was intimida-
an Empire, and instructed all eligible Georgians to join tion by the Georgian government of its own people. She-
the military. Meanwhile, Russian planes are reported to vardnadze also stated that the programme proved Russ-
have bombed targets all over Georgia, and Georgian vol- ian President Dmitry Medvedev correct in his decision
unteers are reported to be engaged in combat in Mt- not to hold discussions with Saakashvili.[24] Catholicos
skheta. The report also included the scenario of the air- Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia condemned the programme,
craft carrying Polish President Lech Kaczyński to Tbilisi saying it was an insult to Georgia’s people and army.[25]
being blown up, leading to the Polish President’s death.[6] In a poll run by Kviris Palitra, 63% of the 406 respon-
dents believe that Saakashvili was involved in the prepa-
Effects ration of the fake report, whilst 8.7% believe the Pres-
During the broadcast, public panic was sparked in Geor- ident was uninvolved, with 28.3% indicating they were
gia, as many Georgians did not see the disclaimer at the unsure.[26][27]
beginning of the broadcast, and assumed that they were
watching live events.[7][8][9] Thousands of telephone calls Georgian journalist reactions
to emergency services were made, citizens hurried to The Imedi broadcast was condemned by many Georgian
withdraw cash from automatic teller machines, Georgian journalists who took part in protests at the Imedi TV
mobile phone networks crashed, and many prepared to building.[7] Giorgi Udzilauri, a journalist with the Akhali
flee Tbilisi and villages and towns near the border with Taoba newspaper noted that the programme demon-
South Ossetia.[10][11] Some units of the Georgian Army strated that propaganda has a large influence in Georgia,
took up defensive positions after hearing of the alleged and went on to say that the programme was a test of pub-
invasion.[12] Interfax began reporting the news in Russia lic reaction towards the Georgian government’s "next vi-
of the invasion of Georgia and the assassination of olence and military adventure", and that it appears the
Saakashvili, before David Cracknell, an employee of the Government still holds such plans. Udzilauri also called
Georgian government, sent a two-word text message to Imedi a "propaganada trumpet" of the government, and
foreign journalists with the words "Not true".[13] stated his belief that those responsible should be taken
Gaioz Odishelidze, an inhabitant of the village of to court, as creating panic is a crime against the State.[28]
Aragvispiri in the Dusheti district, died of a heart attack Luba Eliashvili stated their belief that Imedi should be
whilst watching the programme. According to his son, charged, however, new laws in Georgia do not provide
Odishelidze cried out "What the hell’s going on?", before significant penalties. Eliashvili also stated that a positive
grabbing his chest and collapsing. An Ambulance rushed outcome of the report is that people have lost their trust
to the scene, but paramedics were unable to revive the in Imedi and the "Mischists" forever.[28] Gia Iakobashvili,
50-year old.[14][15][16] Vano Nasaridze, a 75-year old the Editor-in-Chief of presa.ge, stated their belief that all
refugee from Sukhumi living in Tbilisi, suffered a stroke journalists should protest against Imedi, and that jour-
whilst watching the broadcast. Nasaridze’s family took nalists should not participate in any Imedia program-
him to hospital on 14 March, where he underwent ming.[28] Giorgi Mamatsashvili, a journalist with the
surgery, but died several days later.[14][17] Nasaridze’s Asaval-Dasavali newspaper, regarded the programme as
family announced their intention to sue Imedi, insisting a staged show, and after hearing the alleged telephone
that the programme was responsible for his death.[18] A conversation between Tsamalashvili and Arveladze, stat-
woman whose son was serving in the Georgian Army died ed his belief that the programme had the intent of cre-
of a heart attack while watching the program.[14] ating panic and to implement the Government’s ideol-
ogy. Mamatsashvili also said that "Imedi has become a
Domestic reaction house of prostitution. This Government’s ideology is to
fight against the Patriarch and destroy the Church."[28]
The opposition in Georgia condemned the pro- The Council of the Charter of Journalistic Ethics in
gramme,[19] which has been compared to the 1938 The Georgia had a meeting on 25 March 2010, in which they
War of the Worlds radio broadcast,[19][20][21] and accused discussed journalistic ethics in the Georgian media. Spe-
Saakashvili of involvement.[3][10] cial Report anchor Natia Koberidze was due to attend the
meeting but later withdrew. Koberidze stated that she
2
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 2010 Georgian news report hoax
was ready to attend the Council meeting, but due to its gia. However, during the Mukhrovani Mutiny Saakashvili
public format, decided to withdraw as the meeting could called the same soldiers traitors and accused them of
be used as a mean to attack her. Eter Turadze, the Council working for Russia. Military expert Giorgi Melitauri ac-
head, stated at the meeting that it was not being held cused those behind the Mukhrovani Mutiny; those who
to punish anyone, although sanctions could be consid- carry out Saakashvili’s propaganda orders; of being be-
ered if the Council felt that journalistic ethical norms hind the writing of the programme.[36] On 15 March 2010,
were breached. Turadze also said that the stated aim of a written statement appeared on the Georgian Presi-
the meeting was to call upon journalists to act according dent’s website, in which, aside from accusing Russia of
to ethical norms.[29] As a result of Koberidze’s non-at- having aggressive plans against Georgia, he called for
tendance at the meeting, the Council sent her 16 ques- higher journalistic ethical standards to prevent such in-
tions via email, which among other things asked her who cidents in the future.[11]
was responsible for the fake news report being broadcast Georgian Prime Minister Nika Gilauri speaking in
with visible warnings that it was only a simulation, and Brussels rejected the notion that the government exer-
whether she had been put under any pressure. Koberidze cised any control over Imedi, citing the station’s private
replied to the questionnaire by saying that she did not vi- ownership;[37] despite this, the station is widely per-
olate the Charter, as warnings were given to viewers as ceived as being under the control of the government in
the programme began that it was a simulation. She also Tbilisi.[38]
stated she was not aware who was responsible for the ab-
sence of visible warnings during the programme.[29] Taped telephone recordings
On 15 March 2010, an audio recording alleged to be a tele-
Imedi response phone conversation between Arveladze and his deputy
Giorgi Arveladze, the General Director of Imedi TV, stat- Eka Tsamalashvili was released by Forum.ge; because of
ed that the purpose of the program was to demonstrate Arveladze’s close ties to Saakashvili this raised suspicions
to Georgians the external threats that they were faced that the Saakashvili had been involved in the broad-
with,[1] saying, "The really unpleasant thing about yes- cast.[11][39] In the recording, a woman, allegedly
terday’s report — and I want everyone to understand this Tsamalashvili, says that airing the report as if it were
well — is that this report is as close to reality as possible, genuine news would be a violation of the Georgian Law
to what may really happen, and to what Georgia’s ene- on Broadcasting, and stated that a notification should
mies keep in mind".[30] Arveladze apologised for the pan- be carried on screen telling viewers of the fake report
ic which the broadcast caused in Georgia, but defended that it was a simulation. A man, allegedly Arveladze, re-
the report, and dismissed calls for him to resign. Whilst sponds to the suggestion by saying that he had spoken
Arveladze refused to be drawn into questions on whether to "Misha" — a nickname for Saakashvili — the day pre-
the broadcast breached the code of conduct for broad- vious, and after being asked by Saakashvili whether the
casters, the Georgian National Communications Commis- programme would be put to air as a regular Chronicle
sion and the Young Lawyers’ Association of Georgia said programme, he told him that it would. The man contin-
that Imedi had violated the code with its broadcast.[31] ued to say that he told Saakashvili that viewers would
The Imedi chief was also forced to defend against alle- be told at the beginning of the broadcast that the pro-
gations that top officials in the Georgian government, gramme was a simulation, but Saakashvili said not to do
including Saakashvili, were informed about the pro- so, ostensibly because it would affect the effect of the
gramme before it went to air.[32] After a finding by the programme.[39] The man goes on to say that the general
GNMC that the broadcast violated the broadcaster’s code plot outline had been provided to Ghia Nodia and Zurab
of conduct,[33] the broadcaster was directed to make a Davitashvili, both former members of Saakashvili’s gov-
public apology.[34] ernment. After being asked about the plot outline, both
Nodia and Davitashvili confirmed that they had received
Government response it from the television network prior to the broadcast. [40]
On 14 March 2010, speaking to residents in the Bolnisi Arveladze denied the conversation took place and ac-
region, Saakashvili appeared to defend the broad- cused the Russian special services of fabricating the tape
cast,[11][19][35] and stated "(i)t was indeed a very unpleas- by stitching together phrases from different conversa-
ant program, but the most unpleasant thing is that it tions to produce the recording. Tsamalashvili called the
is extremely close to what can happen and to what Ge- recording "absurd and a lie", and dismissed suggestions
orgia’s enemy has conceived".[19] The only part of the that she had received directions from government offi-
fake report that Saakashvili specifically objected to was cials whilst working at Imedi. She also suggested involve-
the part which said that some of the Georgian Army had ment of Russian special services in the alleged fabrica-
joined jorces with the Russians, as it is according to tion.[39] Independent analyst Irakli Sesiashvili stated that
Saakashvili an insult to those who are fighting for Geor- the recording was "very close" to authentic, and stat-
3
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 2010 Georgian news report hoax
ed his belief that the voices on the recording matched who met Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in an
the alleged speakers manner of speaking. Sesiashvili also attempt to mend Georgia–Russia relations.[7] Nino Bur-
stated that it is impossible to "maintain natural intona- dzhanadze met with Putin in Moscow the week before
tion and idiolect in a fabricated tape".[39] the report, and was accused of treason by parliamentary
On 16 March 2010, an audio recording of an alleged allies of Saakashvili.[50] Russian media outlets also an-
telephone conversation between Saakashvili and the Ge- nounced intent to sue Imedi for copyright infringement,
orgian Minister of Culture Nika Rurua was anonymously after the Georgian station used footage without permis-
posted online, and was partially aired by Rustavi 2 in its sion from the Russian copyright holders.[51]
6pm news bulletin. In the recording, a man, allegedly Ru- In calling the report irresponsible, Éric Fournier, the
rua calling from Paris, asks whether the panic caused by French ambassador to Georgia, condemned the use of his
the program had "calmed down". In response, another image in the fake report. Imedi used archive footage of
man, allegedly Saakashvili, says that the panic only lasted Fournier talking to journalists, and portrayed Fournier
five minutes, and that Imedi should have placed a caption as telling viewers of results of meetings with the Geor-
below the screen to advise viewers it was a simulation. gian Foreign Minister, where they were briefed on Rus-
The second man then says that the programme had pre- sia’s military operations. Archive footage of the British
dicted quite accurately the "Russian scenario", and that and Czech ambassadors were also used in the same seg-
he had spoken to Arveladze and told this to him.[41][42] ment.[33][52][53] Denis Keefe, the British ambassador in
Rurua accused the Russian Federal Security Service of Tbilisi, stated the use of archive footage of himself was
fabricating the recording.[43] a discourtesy to him as Ambassador, and that the pro-
Irakli Sesiashvili suggested that Georgian Interior gram did a disservice to Georgia’s reputation as having
Minister Vano Merabishvili, or his ministry, which is be- a responsible and independent media. Keefe also com-
lieved to engage in illegal phone-tapping, was behind the plained that the program suggested that Saakashvili had
leaking of the telephone recordings to the internet, os- held discussions with the British Prime Minister Gordon
tensibly in an attempt to discredit Saakashvili.[44] Irakli Brown about the "non-existent events described", and
Alasania, the leader of Alliance for Georgia, pressed au- stated that neither he, nor the British government had
thorities to carry out expert analysis of the recordings, any involvement in or previous knowledge of, what he
and also said that foreign experts should participate in called, Imedi’s irresponsible programme.[54] The Ambas-
verifying whether the recordings are authentic. Giorgi sador also demanded that Imedi apologise and make it
Targamadze, the leader of the Christian-Democratic clear that it used his image without his consent or per-
Movement, called for an ad-hoc parliamentary commis- mission.[55][56] United States Ambassador to Georgia John
sion to investigate the case, but his proposal was knocked Bass called the broadcast irresponsible and perturbing,
back by lawmakers of the ruling party, who dismissed it and said it was not helpful in improving the security sit-
as "not serious".[41] uation in the region.[57]
The European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia
International reaction stated that the airing of the program was irresponsible
and had the potential to further destabilise the region,
Andrei Nesterenko, the spokesman for the Russian Min- with the possibility of a resumption of military actions
istry of Foreign Affairs said the Imedi program was irre- between Russian and Georgian troops. The Mission kept
sponsible and immoral, and that Russia understood the in constant contact with the Russian Border Guards and
anger in Georgia as a result of the airing. He also accused the Government of South Ossetia during the broadcast
the government in Georgia of "political paranoia".[45][46] via the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism
Nesterenko also stated that Saakashvili’s comments on hotline to ensure that alert levels remained at the status
the programme amounted to his approval of its con- quo.[55][58][59] European Commission President Jose
tents.[47] Dmitry Rogozin, the Permanent Representative Manuel Barroso, after a meeting with Georgian Prime
of Russia to NATO, in an interview with Russia Today Minister Nika Gilauri in Brussels, expressed his concern
said that the programme was a grandiose provocation, over the hoax news report and said the European Union
and was the continuation of an information war that is "hopeful that intensive work will continue to consol-
Saakashvili continued to wage against Russia.[48] Sergey idate democratic institutions, create an inclusive politi-
Markov, a member of the Russian State Duma, opined cal culture, and ensure full media freedom."[37][60] Bar-
that the programme was aimed at the opposition forces roso also called on the Georgian government to refrain
in Georgia, rather than Russia. Markov also stated that from activities which could increase local and regional
hatred towards Russia was part of Saakashvili’s political tensions.[61]
agenda, and that it was a priority that those who cross NATO spokesman James Appathurai in a briefing in
him by seeking contacts with Russia be discredited,[49] Brussels on 24 March 2010 called the false news report
whilst according to BBC News, some also saw the report "unwise" and "useless".[62] Appathurai also stated that
as a thinly veiled swipe at Georgian opposition figures the incident had not been viewed positively within
4
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 2010 Georgian news report hoax
NATO,[29] but would not affect Georgia’s aspirations to 2010. http://en.rian.ru/world/20100313/
enter the alliance.[63] 158186479.html. Retrieved 28 March 2010.
Abkhaz President Sergei Bagapsh called the pro- [9] Corso, Molly (16 March 2010). "Fake Georgia TV
gramme "tremendous idiocy" and said that no attention Report About Russian Invasion Stranger Than
should be paid to the contents of the program.[64] Fiction". Tbilisi: Eurasia Review.
On 16 March 2010, TIME placed the fake report at http://www.eurasiareview.com/2010/03/
number one of the "Top 10 Shocking Hoaxes", ahead of the 32526-fake-georgia-tv-report-about.html.
Ashley Todd mugging hoax, balloon boy hoax, KSJJ Retrieved 28 March 2010.
Ochoco Dam hoax, Sidd Finch hoax, 1938 The War of the [10] ^ Alberici, Emma (15 March 2010). "Georgia
Worlds radio hoax, Anna Anderson, Hitler Diaries hoax, accused of approving Russian invasion hoax".
Piltdown Man and the Great Stock Exchange Fraud of Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
1814.[13][65][66] http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/15/
Valeria Novodvorskaya alleged that the inclusion of 2845623.htm?section=justin. Retrieved 27 March
the scenario of the blowing up of Lech Kaczyński’s air- 2010.
[11] ^ Whitmore, Brian; RFE/RL Georgian Service (15
craft is evidence of complicity of the Russian State in the
death of the Polish President in a plane crash on 10 April March 2010). "Saakashvili’s Erratic Response To
2010 in Smolensk Oblast.[67] Invasion Hoax Raises Suspicions". Radio Free
Europe/Radio Liberty. http://www.rferl.org/
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Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2010_Georgian_news_report_hoax&oldid=459048448"
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