Georgia's Supreme Court on Thursday ordered a change of ownership at the biggest independent TV station Rustavi 2, in a move critics say is an attempt to silence the media, Reuters reported.
Hundreds of viewers, opposition politicians and supporters of Rustavi 2 rallied outside the court and moved to the broadcaster's studio building in a gesture of support after the ruling was announced.
The TV station has been fighting court battles since August 2015 when a court found in favour of former co-owner Kibar Khalvashi and ordered the seizure of its property and later the seizure of shares in the company that owns Rustavi 2.
Government officials have accused the popular TV station of bias. Critics fear Khalvashi will silence the only strong media voice critical of the government in Georgia.
