On 13 September, 2018, the Public Defender of Georgia, Nino Lomjaria personally met with the representatives of TV Company Iberia and discussed the problems facing them. Nino Lomjaria expressed support for the company and noted that the Public Defender will do everything within its resources and mandate to protect the independence of the media.

"Independence of the TV Company's activities gains particular importance during the ongoing election campaign in the country. It is necessary for democratic development of the pre-election environment and processes that the media broadcasting does not get interrupted. Currently, Iberia TV journalists are working in fear and anticipation that the broadcasting may get cut any minute. This situation prompts that there are certain questions to be answered.

In the given situation, the state must establish direct communication with the journalists and company representatives and the Public Defender is ready to engage in this process, to promote dialogue and to act as a mediator between the parties," stated the Public Defender after the meeting.

The Public Defender's Office has started examination of the circumstances surrounding the TV Company and its owner Omega Group. Due to high public interest, the office will periodically publicize the case materials.

* On 7 September of the current year, the owners of the TV Company Iberia announced that the government offered them to give up the television and in exchange promised to solve the financial problems of the Omega Group.