Russia calls Georgian TV 'war' report 'provocation'

A Georgian TV report about the "invasion" of the country by Russia was of a provocative character and damaged security and stabilty in the region, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday, RIA Novosti reports.

The Imedi TV channel sparked panic in Georgia on Saturday with a broadcast that said Russian tanks had invaded the capital and the country's president was dead.

 

After stating that the report was a possible scenario of events that might happen if "Georgian society does not come together against Russia's plans" the channel began its news show with a report on the "invasion."

 

Those who had missed the warning were thrown into a panic and a number of people began making plans to leave the capital, Tbilisi.

 

Panic was also reported in other areas, particularly in eastern Georgia's Gory, a city near South Ossetia, the scene of a 2008 war between Georgia and Russia. An overall increase in heart attacks was also reported.

 

“This provocative TV program has caused very concrete damage to security and stability in the region and has seriously increased the degree of tension in an already complex situation," Andrei Nesterenko said.