The US State Department spokesman, John Kirby stated at the daily briefing of the State Department in Washington that the United States were closely watching events around Rustavi 2 and the US position with regard to the freedom of media had not changed. Later, the US State Department provided additional information to Rustavi 2 correspondent in Washington on the US administration`s position regarding the case.

According to the State Department officials, the US government has frequently praised the open media environment in Georgia, which is internationally recognized as a model in the region.

"The United States Government has often praised Georgia`s open media environment, which has been recognized internationally as a model for the region. We take very seriously any actions that give the appearance of constricting the media space or compromising media pluralism. We have expressed our concerns to the Georgian government, including through Ambassador Kelly in Tbilisi who has spoken very clearly on this issue. 

One of the government`s priorities should be the protection of citizens` liberty, which depends on access to free and unfettered media. Although it may be difficult to hear criticism from opposition media, all governments should encourage the pluralism of voices, and allow those voices to compete in a free market of ideas", - stated the representative of the US State Department.