Georgian TV aired a fake report Sunday with the headline “Russia invades Georgia, Saakashvili dead”. The government controlled Imedi TV channel aired a 30-minute “news report” showing Russian troops invading Georgia and stating that Georgian President Michail Saakashviili had been killed.
Most viewers missed the initial short warning that the report was merely an example of possible events that could only occur “if Georgian society is not brought together against Russia’s plans.”, leading thousands of individuals to rush out onto the streets.
President Saakashvili claimed that such “staging” of a war situation might be useful to protect Georgia from a new war with Russia:
“Despite the kind of scenarios Russia has, yesterday’s situation was very realistic, and because of this, I think, despite such a nervous reaction, yesterday’s report may become an obstacle for them [Russia] in realizing their plans,” said Saakashvili during a meeting with citizens of the Bolnis District.
Russian NATO ambassador Dmitry Rogozin stated that the fake news report may have the intention to create an atmosphere of paranoia in order to sway public opinion in favor of another war in South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
“This isn’t just another Georgian act of provocation – it’s a huge provocation that will leave a mark on the public opinion in Georgia,” Rogozin told RT. “They’re trying to create an image of Russia as a permanent enemy of Georgia, and create a tense situation on its borders with South Ossetia and Abkhazia. This report is just part of the information war Mikhail Saakashvili has been waging. It’s part of state propaganda to promote a new war. Of course, Saakashvili knew about preparations for this report. The Imedi channel is controlled by the Georgian government, so this couldn’t have been done without his blessing. It’s a well-planned act aimed at scheming new armed conflicts in the Caucasus region.”
Consequences of Georgian TV hoax
The fake TV report has cauded outrage amongst the Georgian population as well as the opposition leaders who have condemned Imedi TV’s fake report, alleging that the intention was to provoke another war similar to the Georgia-Russia conflict in 2008.
The report resulted in one woman dying of a heart attack. Imedi TV has since apologised for airing the fake programme.
Video: Russia Today reports on Georgian TV hoax
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