The Russian Foreign Ministry has responded to Rustavi 2 anchor Giorgi Gabunia’s statement on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"We categorically condemn the unprecedented use of unacceptable, offensive terms about the Russian leadership on the Georgian TV channel Rustavi 2. We regard this as yet another obvious provocation by the radical forces of Georgia aimed at undermining the Russian-Georgian relations.

We expect an adequate reaction from international and regional organizations and the journalistic community. No similar incidents should take place in civilized countries," the Russian Foreign Ministry commented.

On July 7, Giorgi Gabunia, anchor of the PS talk show on Rustavi 2 TV, used obscene terms against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Gabunia cursed Vladimir Putin. After the programme, anchors of Weekly Accents, Nika Gvaramia and Eka Kvesitadze, apologized for the statement of Giorgi Gabunia. Later, a rally was held in front of the Rustavi 2 building. Demonstrators demanded the launch of an investigation into the statement of Giorgi Gabunia, as well as dismissal of Nika Gvaramia and Giorgi Gabunia. Later, Director General of the TV Company, Nika Gvaramia, made a special statement and said that the channel would suspend broadcasting because the safety of journalists was not protected. Rustavi 2 has already resumed broadcasting.