2010 Georgian news report hoax

Hoax aired on Georgian television A fake news report aired by Georgian television station Imedi TV on 13 March 2010 reported on the breakdown of Parliament and the deaths of several government officials, culminating in an invasion of Georgia by Russia. The hoax was intended as a hypothetical pseudo-documentary. The broadcast's close resemblance to genuine news programming caused widespread panic among Georgians who believed the events depicted were real, and it was linked to the deaths of at least three people. The hoax drew widespread criticism from the opposition, the Georgian media, and the public, as well as many international commentators and officials. Then-President Mikheil Saakashvili, whom Imedi TV supported, was accused of involvement in the hoax. It has been considered one of the most shocking hoaxes of all time.Levy Glen 16 March 2010 Top 10 Shocking Hoaxes https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,1931133,00.html live Time https://web.archive.org/web/20100323165943/http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0%2C29569%2C1931133%2C00.html 23 March 2010 25 March 2010 The broadcast Special Report was a weekly programme broadcast on Imedi TV on Saturdays at 8:30 pm. On 13 March 2010, Imedi moved its timeslot forward to 7:59 pm, the timeslot allocated to Chronicle, Imedi TV's news programme. Chronicle, which normally airs at 8:00 pm, is a major source of information for Imedi TV viewers.http://www.geotimes.ge/index.php?m=home&newsid=20848 Facts Suggest Imedi Video Was Intentionally Confusing Khachidze Keti 16 March 2010 Georgian Times 24 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100811101154/http://geotimes.ge/index.php?m=home&newsid=20848 11 August 2010 dead dmy-all thumb|President Mikheil Saakashvili was reported to have been assassinated in the broadcast. The fake news broadcast, which was presented as a Chronicle breaking news report and heavily used footage from the Russo-Georgian War, began by accusing the Georgian opposition of organising protests in Tbilisi over alleged fraud in the Tbilisi city elections, which were scheduled for 30 May. During the protests, unknown gunmen opened fire on the protestors, killing several people; the opposition promptly pleaded for the international community to assist in ousting the "Saakashvili tyranny".http://georgiandaily.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17799&Itemid=132 Moscow Exploits TV Invasion Hoax to Isolate Georgia Felgenhauer Pavel Pavel Felgenhauer 19 March 2010 Georgian Daily 28 March 2010 Following the protest in Tbilisi, an ambush in the South Ossetian capital of Tskhinvali killed President of South Ossetia Eduard Kokoity; the Russian government announced that it held proof of Georgian security services' involvement in Kokoity's assassination, which Russia considered a terrorist attack. Allegedly pro-Russian opposition politicians, led by Nino Burdzhanadze and Zurab Nogaideli, travelled to Tskhinvali and accused Saakashvili of killing Kokoity. After the assassination, Russian Army troops were mobilized and placed on high alert; in response, the Georgian Army was mobilized and took defensive positions around Tbilisi with heavy artillery. A "people's government" with Burdzhanadze at the helm declared the government of Saakashvili "illegal". Other Georgian opposition politicians who were held up as collaborators with the Russians included Zurab Dzidziguri, Kakha Kukava, Koba Davitashvili, Levan Gachechiladze and Giorgi Khaindrava.http://en.rian.ru/exsoviet/20100325/158304323.html Georgian opposition demands apologies for fake invasion report 25 March 2010 RIA Novosti 28 March 2010 Tbilisi https://web.archive.org/web/20100326222716/http://en.rian.ru/exsoviet/20100325/158304323.html 26 March 2010 dead Russian president Dmitry Medvedev was then 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."http://www.polit.ru/news/2010/03/14/9.html ru:"Война миров" по-грузински: полный текст и видео программы о вторжении россиян 14 March 2010 Polit.ru 28 March 2010 ru The broadcast then showed Russian tanks, which were based in the Akhalgori region of South Ossetia, entering the Georgian capital, with several Georgian battalions reported to have defected and sided with the people's government. Saakashvili was pronounced 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 Nogaideli. However, other reports claimed Saakashvili was alive in a hidden location and still in command. The broadcast stated that the West stood by and issued only "halfhearted protests". A speech said to have been given by President Saakashvili was shown, where he stated that Russia wanted to become an empire, and instructed all eligible Georgians to join the military. Meanwhile, Russian planes were reported to have bombed targets and infrastructure across Georgia, and Georgian volunteers were reported to be engaged in combat in Mtskheta. The report also described the scenario of Polish president Lech Kaczyński's flight to Tbilisi being destroyed, killing him.http://www.regnum.ru/news/1263229.html ru:Грузинская телекомпания Имеди "похоронила" президента Польши 15 March 2010 Regnum News Agency 12 April 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100413162805/http://www.regnum.ru/news/1263229.html 13 April 2010 live ru Though the beginning and end of the program noted the events of the broadcast were a fictional "simulation", the rest of the broadcast did not. Two hours after the initial broadcast, Imedi aired a follow-up broadcast apologising for spreading panic.Watson Ivan 14 March 2010 Fake Russian invasion broadcast sparks Georgian panic - CNN.com http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/03/14/georgia.invasion.scare/index.html 17 February 2023 www.cnn.com en Effects The broadcast sparked widespread panic across Georgia, as many Georgians did not see the disclaimer at the beginning of the broadcast and assumed that they were watching live events.http://www.eurasiareview.com/2010/03/32526-fake-georgia-tv-report-about.html Fake Georgia TV Report About Russian Invasion Stranger Than Fiction Corso Molly 16 March 2010 Eurasia Review 28 March 2010 Tbilisi https://web.archive.org/web/20100323210835/http://www.eurasiareview.com/2010/03/32526-fake-georgia-tv-report-about.html 23 March 2010 live Thousands of calls to emergency services were made, citizens hurried to withdraw cash from automatic teller machines, Georgian mobile phone networks crashed, and those living in Tbilisi and near the border with South Ossetia prepared to flee.https://www.rferl.org/a/Saakashvilis_Erratic_Response_To_Invasion_Hoax_Raises_Suspicions/1984530.html Saakashvili's Erratic Response To Invasion Hoax Raises Suspicions Whitmore Brian RFE/RL Georgian Service 15 March 2010 Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 28 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100323015018/http://www.rferl.org/content/Saakashvilis_Erratic_Response_To_Invasion_Hoax_Raises_Suspicions/1984530.html 23 March 2010 live Some units of the Georgian Army took up defensive positions after hearing of the alleged invasion.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cWMbWJRokE Primetime Panic: Spoof report sparks fear and protests in Georgia YouTube 2010-04-09 https://web.archive.org/web/20100323032454/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cWMbWJRokE 23 March 2010 live Russian news agency Interfax began reporting on the invasion of Georgia and the assassination of Saakashvili, before Georgian government employee David Cracknell sent a two-word text message to foreign journalists reading "Not true". The deaths of three people were indirectly caused by the hoax and the ensuing panic. Gaioz Odishelidze, a 50-year-old man from Aragvispiri in the Dusheti district, suffered a fatal heart attack whilst watching the program. According to his son, Odishelidze cried out "What the hell's going on?", before grabbing his chest and collapsing. An ambulance rushed to the scene, but paramedics were unable to revive him.http://www.georgiatimes.info/en/news/32209.html On [sic] more death due to Imedi program 17 March 2010 Georgian Times 25 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20110724172531/http://www.georgiatimes.info/en/news/32209.html 24 July 2011 deadhttp://lenta.ru/news/2010/03/19/two/ ru:После просмотра сюжета "Имеди" скончались два человека 19 March 2010 Lenta.ru 25 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100325145501/http://lenta.ru/news/2010/03/19/two/ 25 March 2010 live ru Vano Nasaridze, a 75-year-old resident of Tbilisi and a refugee from Sukhumi, suffered a stroke whilst watching the broadcast. Nasaridze's family rushed him to a hospital on 14 March, where he underwent surgery, but died several days later.http://www.humanrights.ge/index.php?a=news&id=7633&lang=en One More Person Died Because of Imedi Reportage Khutsishvili Tako 23 March 2010 Human Rights Centre 25 March 2010http://english.ruvr.ru/2010/03/19/5445890.html Another Georgian dies over Imedi's fake invasion report 19 March 2010 Voice of Russia 25 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20110716085610/http://english.ruvr.ru/2010/03/19/5445890.html 16 July 2011 dead Nasaridze's family announced their intention to sue Imedi, insisting that the program was responsible for his death.http://news.am/eng/news/17065.html Another man dies in Georgia after Russian invasion hoax on Imedi 19 March 2010 News.am 27 March 2010 A woman whose son was serving in the Georgian Army died of a heart attack while watching the program. Domestic reaction The opposition in Georgia condemned the programme, which has been compared to the 1938 The War of the Worlds radio broadcast,http://www.themoscowtimes.com/columns/1328/article/war-of-the-worlds-broadcast-highlights-pathologies-of-georgian-russian-relations/401965.html 'War of the Worlds' Broadcast Highlights Pathologies of Georgian-Russian Relations Goble Paul Paul A. Goble 17 March 2010 The Moscow Times 28 March 2010 Vienna https://web.archive.org/web/20100429221024/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/columns/1328/article/war-of-the-worlds-broadcast-highlights-pathologies-of-georgian-russian-relations/401965.html 29 April 2010 live and accused Saakashvili of involvement.http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/15/2845623.htm?section=justin https://archive.today/20121231180746/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/15/2845623.htm?section=justin dead December 31, 2012 Georgia accused of approving Russian invasion hoax Alberici Emma 15 March 2010 Australian Broadcasting Corporation 27 March 2010 Nino Burdzhanadze, the leader of Democratic Movement-United Georgia opposition party, stated her belief that Saakashvili ordered the programme aired to increase anti-Russian sentiment and to tarnish the Georgian opposition.https://www.csmonitor.com/layout/set/print/content/view/print/287492 https://archive.today/20130120052007/http://www.csmonitor.com/layout/set/print/content/view/print/287492 dead January 20, 2013 Georgia opposition leader slams Russian invasion hoax in interview Weir Fred 15 March 2010 The Christian Science Monitor 25 March 2010 Moscow Burdzhanadze's party also announced that it would file a lawsuit against Imedi.http://en.rian.ru/exsoviet/20100316/158209710.html Hoax report intended to blacken Saakashvili's rivals — opposition 16 March 2010 RIA Novosti 28 March 2010 Moscow https://web.archive.org/web/20100317162841/http://en.rian.ru/exsoviet/20100316/158209710.html 17 March 2010 dead Former Georgian president Eduard Shevardnadze condemned the programme and said that it was intimidation by the Georgian government of its own people. Shevardnadze also stated that the programme proved then-Russian president Dmitry Medvedev correct in his decision not to hold discussions with Saakashvili.http://english.ruvr.ru/2010/03/18/5419273.html Ex-Georgian President upholds opposition visit to Moscow 18 March 2010 Voice of Russia 25 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20110716085628/http://english.ruvr.ru/2010/03/18/5419273.html 16 July 2011 dead Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia condemned the programme, calling it an insult to Georgia's people and army.http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=7029 Georgian Patriarch slams Imedi TV provocation 15 March 2010 Interfax 25 March 2010 Tbilisi In a poll run by Kviris Palitra, 63% of the 406 respondents believe that Saakashvili was involved in the preparation of the fake report, whilst 8.7% believe the President was uninvolved, with 28.3% indicating they were unsure.http://www.interpressnews.ge/en/index.php/permalink/16424.html 63.0 Percent of Respondents Consider Mikheil Saakashvili Participated in Preparation of Simulated Chronicle 29 March 2010 Interpressnews.ge 6 April 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111004201756/http://www.interpressnews.ge/en/index.php/permalink/16424.html October 4, 2011 http://www.georusparitet.com/official_statement/20100329/151340911.html ru:Саакашвили был причастен к "спецрепортажу" "Имеди" ? - опрос Dzhavakhia Eka 29 March 2010 Россиа - Грузиа: Информационный Паритет 17 May 2012 Tbilisi ru Georgian journalist reactions The Imedi broadcast was condemned by many Georgian journalists who took part in protests at the Imedi TV building. Giorgi Udzilauri, a journalist with the Akhali Taoba newspaper, noted that the programme demonstrated that propaganda has a large influence in Georgia, and went on to say that the programme was a test of public reaction towards the Georgian government's "next violence and military adventure", and that it appears the Government still holds such plans. Udzilauri also called Imedi a "propaganda trumpet" of the government, and stated his belief that those responsible should be taken to court, as creating panic is a crime against the State.http://www.geotimes.ge/index.php?m=home&newsid=20949 Georgian Journalists Denounce Imedi Hoax Video Tsivkarashvili Shorena 22 March 2010 The Georgian Times 28 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100812170546/http://geotimes.ge/index.php?m=home&newsid=20949 12 August 2010 dead dmy-all Luba Eliashvili stated their belief that Imedi should be charged, however, new laws in Georgia do not provide significant penalties. Eliashvili also stated that a positive outcome of the report is that people have lost their trust in Imedi and the "Mischists" forever. Gia Iakobashvili, the Editor-in-Chief of presa.ge, stated their belief that all journalists should protest against Imedi, and that journalists should not participate in any Imedia programming. Giorgi Mamatsashvili, a journalist with the Asaval-Dasavali newspaper, regarded the programme as a staged show, and after hearing the alleged telephone conversation between Tsamalashvili and Arveladze, stated his belief that the programme had the intent of creating panic and to implement the Government's ideology. Mamatsashvili also said that "Imedi has become a house of prostitution. This Government's ideology is to fight against the Patriarch and destroy the Church." The Council of the Charter of Journalistic Ethics in Georgia had a meeting on 25 March 2010, in which they discussed journalistic ethics in the Georgian media. Special Report anchor Natia Koberidze was due to attend the meeting but later withdrew. Koberidze stated that she was ready to attend the Council meeting, but due to its public format, decided to withdraw as the meeting could be used as a mean to attack her. Eter Turadze, the Council head, stated at the meeting that it was not being held to punish anyone, although sanctions could be considered if the Council felt that journalistic ethical norms were breached. Turadze also said that the stated aim of the meeting was to call upon journalists to act according to ethical norms. As a result of Koberidze's non-attendance at the meeting, the Council sent her 16 questions via email, which among other things asked her who was responsible for the fake news report being broadcast with visible warnings that it was only a simulation, and whether she had been put under any pressure. Koberidze replied to the questionnaire by saying that she did not violate the Charter, as warnings were given to viewers at the beginning of the programme that it was a simulation. She also stated she was not aware who was responsible for the absence of visible warnings during the programme. Imedi response Giorgi Arveladze, the General Director of Imedi TV, stated that the purpose of the program was to demonstrate to Georgians the external threats that they were faced with, saying, "The really unpleasant thing about yesterday's report—and I want everyone to understand this well—is that this report is as close to reality as possible, to what may really happen, and to what Georgia's enemies keep in mind".https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/georgia/7442366/Russia-invasion-spoof-report-spreads-panic-in-Georgia.html Russia invasion spoof report spreads panic in Georgia Osborn Andrew 14 March 2010 The Telegraph 24 March 2010 Moscow https://web.archive.org/web/20100317132431/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/georgia/7442366/Russia-invasion-spoof-report-spreads-panic-in-Georgia.html 17 March 2010 live Arveladze apologised for the panic caused by the broadcast, but defended the report, and dismissed calls for him to resign. Whilst Arveladze refused to be drawn into questions on whether the broadcast breached the code of conduct for broadcasters, the Georgian National Communications Commission and the Young Lawyers' Association of Georgia said that Imedi had violated the code with its broadcast.http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22083 Imedi TV Chief Defends Fake Report 15 March 2010 Civil Georgia 28 March 2010 Tbilisi The Imedi chief was also forced to defend against allegations that top officials in the Georgian government, including Saakashvili, were informed about the programme before it went to air.http://en.rian.ru/exsoviet/20100316/158208735.html Imedi head denies informing officials of fake report beforehand 16 March 2010 RIA Novosti 28 March 2010 Tbilisi https://web.archive.org/web/20100317162447/http://www.en.rian.ru/exsoviet/20100316/158208735.html 17 March 2010 dead After a finding by the GNMC that the broadcast violated the broadcaster's code of conduct,April 2023 the broadcaster was directed to make a public apology.http://en.trend.az/regions/scaucasus/georgia/1654573.html Imedi television obliged with apology Kirtskhalia N. 15 March 2010 Trend News Agency 28 March 2010 Tbilisi Government response On 14 March 2010, speaking to residents in the Bolnisi region, Saakashvili appeared to defend the broadcast,https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8568762.stm Georgians question un-reality TV Esslemont Tom 15 March 2010 BBC News 28 March 2010 Tbilisi https://web.archive.org/web/20100322231732/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8568762.stm 22 March 2010 live and stated "(i)t was indeed a very unpleasant program, but the most unpleasant thing is that it is extremely close to what can happen and to what Georgia's enemy has conceived". The only part of the fake report that Saakashvili specifically objected to was the part which said that some of the Georgian Army had joined forces with the Russians, as it is, according to Saakashvili, an insult to the military. However, during the Mukhrovani Mutiny Saakashvili called the same soldiers traitors and accused them of working for Russia. Military expert Giorgi Melitauri accused those behind the mutiny of being behind the writing of the programme.http://www.geotimes.ge/index.php?m=home&newsid=20939 Giorgi Melitauri: The programme was written by the same people who staged the Mukhrovani Mutiny Bzhalava Dali Melitauri, Giorgi 22 March 2010 The Georgian Times 28 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100812172307/http://geotimes.ge/index.php?m=home&newsid=20939 12 August 2010 dead dmy-all On 15 March 2010, a written statement appeared on the Georgian president's website, in which, aside from accusing Russia of having aggressive plans against Georgia, he called for higher journalistic ethical standards to prevent such incidents in the future. Georgian prime minister Nika Gilauri speaking in Brussels rejected the notion that the government exercised any control over Imedi, citing the station's private ownership; despite this, the station was widely perceived as being under the control of the government in Tbilisi at the time.http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,684192,00.html Burnishing a Tarnished Image: Georgia Mounts American PR Campaign Bidder Benjamin 17 March 2010 Der Spiegel 28 March 2010 Moscow https://web.archive.org/web/20100322235210/http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0%2C1518%2C684192%2C00.html 22 March 2010 live Taped telephone recordings On 15 March 2010, an audio recording alleged to be a telephone conversation between Arveladze and his deputy Eka Tsamalashvili was released by Forum.ge; because of Arveladze's close ties to Saakashvili this raised suspicions that the Saakashvili had been involved in the broadcast. In the recording, a woman, allegedly Tsamalashvili, says that airing the report as if it were genuine news would be a violation of the Georgian Law on Broadcasting, and stated that a notification should be carried on screen telling viewers of the fake report that it was a simulation. A man, allegedly Arveladze, responds to the suggestion by saying that he had spoken to "Misha" — a nickname for Saakashvili — the day previous, and after being asked by Saakashvili whether the programme would be put to air as a regular Chronicle programme, he told him that it would. The man continued to say that he told Saakashvili that viewers would be told at the beginning of the broadcast that the programme was a simulation, but Saakashvili said not to do so, ostensibly because it would affect the effect of the programme.http://www.messenger.com.ge/issues/2065_march_17_2010/2065_mzia.html Taped phone conversation fuels discussions over Imedi TV hoax report Kupunia Mzia 17 March 2010 The Messenger (Georgia) 28 March 2010 The man goes on to say that the general plot outline had been provided to Ghia Nodia and Zurab Davitashvili, both former members of Saakashvili's government. After being asked about the plot outline, both Nodia and Davitashvili confirmed that they had received it from the television network prior to the broadcast.http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22088 Phone Tape Adds New Twist to Fake TV Report 16 March 2010 Civil Georgia 28 March 2010 Tbilisi Arveladze denied the conversation took place and accused the Russian special services of fabricating the tape by stitching together phrases from different conversations to produce the recording. Tsamalashvili called the recording "absurd and a lie", and dismissed suggestions that she had received directions from government officials whilst working at Imedi. She also suggested involvement of Russian special services in the alleged fabrication. Independent analyst Irakli Sesiashvili stated that the recording was "very close" to authentic, and stated his belief that the voices on the recording matched the alleged speakers manner of speaking. Sesiashvili also stated that it is impossible to "maintain natural intonation and idiolect in a fabricated tape". On 16 March 2010, an audio recording of an alleged telephone conversation between Saakashvili and the Georgian Minister of Culture Nika Rurua was anonymously posted online, and was partially aired by Rustavi 2 in its 6 pm news bulletin. In the recording, a man, allegedly Rurua calling from Paris, asks whether the panic caused by the program had "calmed down". In response, another man, allegedly Saakashvili, says that the panic only lasted five minutes, and that Imedi should have placed a caption below the screen to advise viewers it was a simulation. The second man then says that the programme had predicted quite accurately the "Russian scenario", and that he had spoken to Arveladze and told this to him.http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22093 More Fake TV Report-Related Phone Recording 16 March 2010 Civil Georgia 27 March 2010 Tbilisihttps://abcnews.go.com/International/recording-alleges-georgian-president-blame-fake-invasion-panic/story?id=10123722&page=1 Recording Alleges Georgian President to Blame for Fake Invasion Panic Marquardt Alexander 17 March 2010 ABC News 28 March 2010 Moscow Rurua accused the Russian Federal Security Service of fabricating the recording.http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22104 Authorities Rule Out Probe into Fake TV Report-Related Phone Recordings 19 March 2010 Civil Georgia 28 March 2010 Tbilisi Irakli Sesiashvili suggested that Georgian Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili, or his ministry, which is believed to engage in illegal phone-tapping, was behind the leaking of the telephone recordings to the internet, ostensibly in an attempt to discredit Saakashvili.https://www.rferl.org/a/Georgian_Minister_Rules_Out_Probe_Into_Incriminating_Tapes/1989195.html Georgian Minister Rules Out Probe Into Incriminating Tapes 20 March 2010 Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 28 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100406224832/http://www.rferl.org/content/Georgian_Minister_Rules_Out_Probe_Into_Incriminating_Tapes/1989195.html 6 April 2010 live Irakli Alasania, the leader of Alliance for Georgia coalition, pressed authorities to carry out expert analysis of the recordings, and also said that foreign experts should participate in verifying whether the recordings are authentic. Giorgi Targamadze, the leader of the Christian-Democratic Movement, called for an ad hoc parliamentary commission to investigate the case, but his proposal was knocked back by lawmakers of the ruling party, who dismissed it as "not serious". International reaction Andrei Nesterenko, the spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Imedi program was irresponsible and immoral, and that Russia understood the anger in Georgia as a result of the airing. He also accused the government in Georgia of "political paranoia".http://www.mid.ru/brp_4.nsf/e78a48070f128a7b43256999005bcbb3/454885fac2ef9b59c32576e7005a574c?OpenDocument Russian MFA Spokesman Andrei Nesterenko Response to Media Query Regarding the Recent Georgian Imedi TV Broadcast 15 March 2010 Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 March 2010https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8568836.stm Russia condemns Georgian TV's 'immoral' invasion hoax 15 March 2010 BBC News 27 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100324004942/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8568836.stm 24 March 2010 live Nesterenko also stated that Saakashvili's comments on the programme amounted to his approval of its contents.http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22085 Russian MFA Slams Imedi TV's Fake Report 15 March 2010 Civil Georgia 27 March 2010 Tbilisi Dmitry Rogozin, the Permanent Representative of Russia to NATO, in an interview with Russia Today said that the programme was a grandiose provocation, and was the continuation of an information war that Saakashvili continued to wage against Russia.http://en.rian.ru/exsoviet/20100315/158194666.html Georgian TV fake invasion report "part of information war against Russia" 15 March 2010 RIA Novosti 25 March 2010 Moscow https://web.archive.org/web/20100317155803/http://en.rian.ru/exsoviet/20100315/158194666.html 17 March 2010 dead Sergey Markov, a member of the Russian State Duma, opined that the programme was aimed at the opposition forces in Georgia, rather than Russia. Markov also stated that hatred towards Russia was part of Saakashvili's political agenda, and that it was a priority that those who cross him by seeking contacts with Russia be discredited,https://www.csmonitor.com/World/terrorism-security/2010/0315/Russian-invasion-hoax-has-Georgia-opposition-in-uproar Russian invasion hoax has Georgia opposition in uproar Hancock Ben 15 March 2010 The Christian Science Monitor 25 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100322191806/http://www.csmonitor.com/World/terrorism-security/2010/0315/Russian-invasion-hoax-has-Georgia-opposition-in-uproar 22 March 2010 live whilst according to BBC News, some also saw the report as a thinly veiled swipe at Georgian opposition figures who met Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin in an attempt to mend Georgia–Russia relations.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8566571.stm Bogus TV report of Russian invasion panics Georgia 14 March 2010 BBC News 25 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100317002707/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8566571.stm 17 March 2010 live Nino Burdzhanadze met with Putin in Moscow the week before the report, and was accused of treason by parliamentary allies of Saakashvili.http://en.beta.rian.ru/russia/20100304/158095118.html Putin views reopening of Russia-Georgia border as positive sign 4 March 2010 RIA Novosti 25 March 2010 Moscow https://web.archive.org/web/20110716053126/http://en.beta.rian.ru/russia/20100304/158095118.html 16 July 2011 dead dmy-all Russian media outlets also announced intent to sue Imedi for copyright infringement, after the Georgian station used footage without permission from the Russian copyright holders.http://www.lifenews.ru/news/16847 ru:Российские СМИ подают в суд на "Имеди" 16 March 2010 Life.ru 28 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100322190507/http://www.lifenews.ru/news/16847 22 March 2010 live ru In calling the report irresponsible, Éric Fournier, the French ambassador to Georgia, condemned the use of his image in the fake report. Imedi used archive footage of Fournier talking to journalists, and portrayed Fournier as telling viewers of results of meetings with the Georgian foreign minister, where they were briefed on Russia's military operations. Archive footage of the British and Czech ambassadors were also used in the same segment.http://civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22094 French Ambassador on Fake TV Report 16 March 2010 Civil Georgia 25 March 2010 Tbilisihttp://english.ruvr.ru/2010/03/16/5342677.html French ambassador to Georgia perplexed at Imedi hoax 16 March 2010 Voice of Russia 28 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20110716085645/http://english.ruvr.ru/2010/03/16/5342677.html 16 July 2011 dead Denis Keefe, the British ambassador in Tbilisi, stated the use of archive footage of himself was a discourtesy to him as Ambassador, and that the program did a disservice to Georgia's reputation as having a responsible and independent media. Keefe also complained that the program suggested that Saakashvili had held discussions with the British prime minister Gordon Brown about the "non-existent events described", and stated that neither he, nor the British government had any involvement in or previous knowledge of, what he called, Imedi's irresponsible programme.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8570312.stm UK ambassador's protest at Georgia TV hoax 16 March 2010 BBC News 25 March 2010 The ambassador also demanded that Imedi apologise and make it clear that it used his image without his consent or permission.http://blogs.news.sky.com/eurovision/Post:4fb81a11-bd3c-4ed9-b556-acfbf0808c9b Saakashvili and his Theatre of Clowns Rossi Alex 17 March 2010 Sky News 28 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20110718010345/http://blogs.news.sky.com/eurovision/Post:4fb81a11-bd3c-4ed9-b556-acfbf0808c9b 18 July 2011 dead United States Ambassador to Georgia John Bass called the broadcast irresponsible and perturbing, and said it was not helpful in improving the security situation in the region.http://www.geotimes.ge/index.php?m=home&newsid=20835 John Bass Termed Bogus 'Chronicle' on Imedi TV as Perturbing 15 March 2010 The Georgian Times 28 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100812074005/http://geotimes.ge/index.php?m=home&newsid=20835 12 August 2010 dead dmy-all The European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia stated that the airing of the program was irresponsible and had the potential to further destabilise the region, with the possibility of a resumption of military actions between Russian and Georgian troops. The Mission kept in constant contact with the Russian Border Guards and the Government of South Ossetia during the broadcast via the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism hotline to ensure that alert levels remained at the status quo.http://civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22092&search=imedi%20tv%20report EU Monitors Warn Against Fake TV Report 16 March 2010 Civil.ge 17 March 2012 Moscowhttp://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22092 EU Monitors Warn Against Fake TV Report 16 March 2010 Civil Georgia 24 March 2010 Tbilisihttp://www.geotimes.ge/index.php?m=home&newsid=20862 EUMM expresses concern about Imedi scandal 16 March 2010 The Georgian Times/Rustavi 2 28 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100812065448/http://geotimes.ge/index.php?m=home&newsid=20862 12 August 2010 dead dmy-all European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, after a meeting with Georgian prime minister Nika Gilauri in Brussels, expressed his concern over the hoax news report and said the European Union is "hopeful that intensive work will continue to consolidate democratic institutions, create an inclusive political culture, and ensure full media freedom."https://www.rferl.org/a/In_EU_Frustration_With_Georgia_Now_Evident/1987346.html In EU, Frustration With Georgia Now Evident Lobjakas Ahto 18 March 2010 Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 27 March 2010 Brussels https://web.archive.org/web/20100324175232/http://www.rferl.org/content/In_EU_Frustration_With_Georgia_Now_Evident/1987346.html 24 March 2010 livehttp://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22099&search=imedi EU's Barroso 'Concerned' over Imedi TV Fake Report 17 March 2010 Civil Georgia 28 March 2010 Tbilisi Barroso also called on the Georgian government to refrain from activities which could increase local and regional tensions.https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62G3XB20100317 EU urges Georgia not to aggravate Russia tensions Brunnstrom David Barkin, Noah 17 March 2010 Reuters 28 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100323074156/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62G3XB20100317 23 March 2010 live NATO spokesman James Appathurai in a briefing in Brussels on 24 March 2010 called the false news report "unwise" and "unhelpful". Appathurai also stated that the incident had not been viewed positively within NATO,http://www.messenger.com.ge/issues/2072_march_26_2010/2072_gvanca.html Now NATO and US attack Imedi hoax Gabekhadze Gvantsa 26 March 2010 The Messenger (Georgia) 28 March 2010 but would not affect Georgia's aspirations to enter the alliance.http://civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22118 NATO: Fake TV Report 'Unwise' 25 March 2010 Civil Georgia 28 March 2010 Tbilisi Abkhaz president Sergei Bagapsh called the programme "tremendous idiocy" and said that no attention should be paid to the contents of the program.April 2023 On 16 March 2010, TIME placed the fake report at number one of the "Top 10 Shocking Hoaxes", ahead of the Ashley Todd mugging hoax, balloon boy hoax, the KSJJ Ochoco Dam hoax, Sidd Finch hoax, 1938 The War of the Worlds radio hoax, Anna Anderson, Hitler Diaries hoax, Piltdown Man, and the Great Stock Exchange Fraud of 1814.http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1931133_1931132_1972067,00.html Georgia On Everyone's Mind Levy Glen 16 March 2010 Time 25 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100322193603/http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0%2C28804%2C1931133_1931132_1972067%2C00.html 22 March 2010 dead http://www.geotimes.ge/index.php?m=home&newsid=20894 'Simulated Chronicle' Leading List of Top 10 Shocking and Outrageous Hoaxes 18 March 2010 The Georgian Times 25 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100812182458/http://geotimes.ge/index.php?m=home&newsid=20894 2010-08-12 dead Valeria Novodvorskaya alleged that the inclusion of Lech Kaczyński's death in an aircraft shoot-down is evidence of complicity of the Russian government in Kaczyński's later death in a plane crash on 10 April 2010 in Smolensk Oblast.http://grani.ru/Events/Disaster/m.176940.html ru:Жестокая посадка Novodvorskaya Valeria Valeria Novodvorskaya 11 April 2010 Grani.ru 12 April 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100412140828/http://www.grani.ru/Events/Disaster/m.176940.html 12 April 2010 live ru References 2 Category:Russo-Georgian War Georgian News Report Hoax Georgian News Report Hoax, 2010 Category:Diplomatic incidents Category:Georgia (country)–Russia relations Category:Journalistic hoaxes Category:Mass media in Georgia (country) Category:Political scandals Category:Political controversies in Georgia (country) Category:Politics of Georgia (country)