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2010 Georgian news report hoax

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The2010 Georgian news report hoax,also known as "SimulatedChronicle",was afake newsreport aired byGeorgiantelevision stationImedi TVon 13 March 2010. The hoax, intended as a hypotheticalpseudo-documentary,reported on the breakdown ofParliamentand the deaths of several government officials, culminating in an invasion of Georgia byRussia.The broadcast's close resemblance to genuinenews programmingcaused widespread panic among Georgians who believed the events depicted were real, and it was linked to the deaths of at least three people.[1]

The hoax drew widespread criticism from the opposition, the Georgian media, and the public, as well as many international commentators and officials. Then-PresidentMikheil Saakashvili,whom Imedi TV supported, was accused of involvement in the hoax. It has been considered one of the most shocking hoaxes of all time.[2]

The broadcast

[edit]

Special Reportwas a weekly programme broadcast on Imedi TV on Saturdays at 8:30 pm. On 13 March 2010, Imedi moved its timeslot forward to 7:59 pm, the timeslot allocated toChronicle,Imedi TV's news programme.Chronicle,which normally airs at 8:00 pm, is a major source of information for Imedi TV viewers.[3]

PresidentMikheil Saakashviliwas reported to have been assassinated in the broadcast.

The fake news broadcast, which was presented as aChroniclebreaking newsreport and heavily used footage from theRusso-Georgian War,[4]began by accusing the Georgianoppositionof organising protests inTbilisiover alleged fraud in the Tbilisi city elections, which were scheduled for 30 May. During the protests, unknown gunmen opened fire on the protestors, killing several people; the opposition promptly pleaded for theinternational communityto assist in ousting the "Saakashvili tyranny".[5]Following the protest in Tbilisi, an ambush in theSouth Ossetiancapital ofTskhinvalikilledPresident of South OssetiaEduard Kokoity;the Russian government announced that it held proof of Georgian security services' involvement in Kokoity's assassination, which Russia considered a terrorist attack.[5]Allegedly pro-Russian opposition politicians, led byNino BurdzhanadzeandZurab Nogaideli,travelled to Tskhinvali and accused Saakashvili of killing Kokoity.[5]After the assassination,Russian Armytroops were mobilized and placed on high alert; in response, theGeorgian Armywas mobilized and took defensive positions around Tbilisi withheavy artillery.A "people's government" with Burdzhanadze at the helm declared the government of Saakashvili "illegal".[5]Other Georgian opposition politicians who were held up as collaborators with the Russians includedZurab Dzidziguri,Kakha Kukava,Koba Davitashvili,Levan GachechiladzeandGiorgi Khaindrava.[4]

Russian PresidentDmitry Medvedevwas then shown, with a Georgian voiceover, allegedly saying "Since the Saakashvili regime began open terrorism against South Ossetia, this international criminal must be stopped. I have ordered a military operation, and call on the Georgian people not to resist the troops that bring them freedom."[5][6]The broadcast then showed Russian tanks, which were based in theAkhalgoriregion of South Ossetia, entering the Georgian capital, with several Georgian battalions reported to have defected and sided with the people's government.[5]Saakashvili was pronounced as having possibly been assassinated, which was allegedly announced by theMovement for Fair Georgia,the political party headed by formerGeorgian Prime Ministerand current opposition politicianZurab Nogaideli.[5]However, other reports claimed Saakashvili was alive in a hidden location and still in command. The broadcast stated that theWeststood by and issued only "halfhearted protests".[5]A speech said to have been given by President Saakashvili was shown, where he stated that Russia wanted to become an empire, and instructed all eligible Georgians to join the military. Meanwhile, Russian planes were reported to have bombed targets and infrastructure across Georgia, and Georgian volunteers were reported to be engaged in combat inMtskheta.The report also describedthe scenarioofPolish PresidentLech Kaczyński's flight to Tbilisi being destroyed, killing him.[7]

Though the beginning and end of the program noted the events of the broadcast were a fictional "simulation", the rest of the broadcast did not. Two hours after the initial broadcast, Imedi aired a follow-up broadcast apologising for spreading panic.[8]

Effects

[edit]

The broadcast sparked widespread panic across Georgia, as many Georgians did not see the disclaimer at the beginning of the broadcast and assumed that they were watching live events.[9][10]Thousands of calls toemergency serviceswere made, citizens hurried to withdraw cash fromautomatic teller machines,Georgianmobile phone networkscrashed, and those living in Tbilisi and near the border withSouth Ossetiaprepared to flee.[11][12]Some units of the Georgian Army took up defensive positions after hearing of the alleged invasion.[13]Russian news agencyInterfaxbegan reporting on the invasion of Georgia and the assassination of Saakashvili, before Georgian government employee David Cracknell sent a two-word text message to foreign journalists reading "Not true".[14]

The deaths of three people were indirectly caused by the hoax and the ensuing panic. Gaioz Odishelidze, a 50-year-old man fromAragvispiriin theDushetidistrict, suffered a fatal heart attack whilst watching the program. According to his son, Odishelidze cried out "What the hell's going on?", before grabbing his chest and collapsing. An ambulance rushed to the scene, but paramedics were unable to revive him.[1][15][16]Vano Nasaridze, a 75-year-old resident ofTbilisiand a refugee fromSukhumi,suffered a stroke whilst watching the broadcast. Nasaridze's family rushed him to a hospital on 14 March, where he underwent surgery, but died several days later.[1][17]Nasaridze's family announced their intention to sue Imedi, insisting that the program was responsible for his death.[18]A woman whose son was serving in the Georgian Army died of a heart attack while watching the program.[1]

Domestic reaction

[edit]

The opposition in Georgia condemned the programme,[19]which has been compared to the1938The War of the Worldsradio broadcast,[19][20]and accused Saakashvili of involvement.[4][11]

Nino Burdzhanadze,the leader ofDemocratic Movement-United Georgiaopposition party, stated her belief that Saakashvili ordered the programme aired to increaseanti-Russian sentimentand to tarnish the Georgian opposition.[11][19]Burdzhanadze's party also announced that it would file a lawsuit against Imedi.[21]

FormerGeorgian PresidentEduard Shevardnadzecondemned the programme and said that it was intimidation by the Georgian government of its own people. Shevardnadze also stated that the programme proved then-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev correct in his decision not to hold discussions with Saakashvili.[22]CatholicosPatriarch Ilia II of Georgiacondemned the programme, calling it an insult to Georgia's people and army.[23]

In a poll run byKviris Palitra,63% of the 406 respondents believe that Saakashvili was involved in the preparation of the fake report, whilst 8.7% believe the President was uninvolved, with 28.3% indicating they were unsure.[24][25]

Georgian journalist reactions

[edit]

The Imedi broadcast was condemned by many Georgian journalists who took part in protests at the Imedi TV building.[9]Giorgi Udzilauri, a journalist with theAkhali Taobanewspaper, noted that the programme demonstrated thatpropagandahas a large influence in Georgia, and went on to say that the programme was a test of public reaction towards the Georgian government's "next violence and military adventure", and that it appears the Government still holds such plans. Udzilauri also called Imedi a "propaganda trumpet" of the government, and stated his belief that those responsible should be taken to court, as creating panic is a crime against the State.[26]Luba Eliashvili stated their belief that Imedi should be charged, however, new laws in Georgia do not provide significant penalties. Eliashvili also stated that a positive outcome of the report is that people have lost their trust in Imedi and the "Mischists" forever.[26]Gia Iakobashvili, the Editor-in-Chief of presa.ge, stated their belief that all journalists should protest against Imedi, and that journalists should not participate in any Imedia programming.[26]Giorgi Mamatsashvili, a journalist with theAsaval-Dasavalinewspaper, regarded the programme as a staged show, and after hearing the alleged telephone conversation between Tsamalashvili and Arveladze, stated his belief that the programme had the intent of creating panic and to implement the Government's ideology. Mamatsashvili also said that "Imedi has become a house of prostitution. This Government's ideology is to fight against the Patriarch and destroy the Church."[26]

The Council of the Charter of Journalistic Ethics in Georgia had a meeting on 25 March 2010, in which they discussed journalistic ethics in the Georgian media.Special Reportanchor Natia Koberidze was due to attend the meeting but later withdrew. Koberidze stated that she was ready to attend the Council meeting, but due to its public format, decided to withdraw as the meeting could be used as a mean to attack her. Eter Turadze, the Council head, stated at the meeting that it was not being held to punish anyone, although sanctions could be considered if the Council felt that journalistic ethical norms were breached. Turadze also said that the stated aim of the meeting was to call upon journalists to act according to ethical norms.[27]As a result of Koberidze's non-attendance at the meeting, the Council sent her 16 questions via email, which among other things asked her who was responsible for the fake news report being broadcast with visible warnings that it was only a simulation, and whether she had been put under any pressure. Koberidze replied to the questionnaire by saying that she did not violate the Charter, as warnings were given to viewers at the beginning of the programme that it was a simulation. She also stated she was not aware who was responsible for the absence of visible warnings during the programme.[27]

Imedi response

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Giorgi Arveladze,theGeneral Directorof Imedi TV, stated that the purpose of the program was to demonstrate to Georgians the external threats that they were faced with,[3]saying, "The really unpleasant thing about yesterday's report—and I want everyone to understand this well—is that this report is as close to reality as possible, to what may really happen, and to what Georgia's enemies keep in mind".[28]Arveladze apologised for the panic caused by the broadcast, but defended the report, and dismissed calls for him to resign. Whilst Arveladze refused to be drawn into questions on whether the broadcast breached thecode of conductfor broadcasters, theGeorgian National Communications Commissionand the Young Lawyers' Association of Georgia said that Imedi had violated the code with its broadcast.[29]The Imedi chief was also forced to defend against allegations that top officials in the Georgian government, including Saakashvili, were informed about the programme before it went to air.[30]After a finding by the GNMC that the broadcast violated the broadcaster's code of conduct,[citation needed]the broadcaster was directed to make a public apology.[31]

Government response

[edit]

On 14 March 2010, speaking to residents in theBolnisiregion, Saakashvili appeared to defend the broadcast,[12][19][32]and stated "(i)t was indeed a very unpleasant program, but the most unpleasant thing is that it is extremely close to what can happen and to what Georgia's enemy has conceived".[19]The only part of the fake report that Saakashvili specifically objected to was the part which said that some of the Georgian Army had joined forces with the Russians, as it is, according to Saakashvili, an insult to the military. However, during theMukhrovani MutinySaakashvili called the same soldiers traitors and accused them of working for Russia. Military expert Giorgi Melitauri accused those behind the mutiny of being behind the writing of the programme.[33]On 15 March 2010, a written statement appeared on the Georgian President's website, in which, aside from accusing Russia of having aggressive plans against Georgia, he called for higher journalistic ethical standards to prevent such incidents in the future.[12]

Georgian Prime MinisterNika Gilaurispeaking inBrusselsrejected the notion that the government exercised any control over Imedi, citing the station's private ownership;[34]despite this, the station is widely perceived as being under the control of the government in Tbilisi.[35]

Taped telephone recordings

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On 15 March 2010, an audio recording alleged to be a telephone conversation between Arveladze and his deputy Eka Tsamalashvili was released byForum.ge;because of Arveladze's close ties to Saakashvili this raised suspicions that the Saakashvili had been involved in the broadcast.[12][36]In the recording, a woman, allegedly Tsamalashvili, says that airing the report as if it were genuine news would be a violation of the Georgian Law on Broadcasting, and stated that a notification should be carried on screen telling viewers of the fake report that it was a simulation. A man, allegedly Arveladze, responds to the suggestion by saying that he had spoken to "Misha" — a nickname for Saakashvili — the day previous, and after being asked by Saakashvili whether the programme would be put to air as a regular Chronicle programme, he told him that it would. The man continued to say that he told Saakashvili that viewers would be told at the beginning of the broadcast that the programme was a simulation, but Saakashvili said not to do so, ostensibly because it would affect the effect of the programme.[36]The man goes on to say that the general plot outline had been provided toGhia NodiaandZurab Davitashvili,both former members of Saakashvili's government. After being asked about the plot outline, both Nodia and Davitashvili confirmed that they had received it from the television network prior to the broadcast.[37]

Arveladze denied the conversation took place and accused the Russian special services of fabricating the tape by stitching together phrases from different conversations to produce the recording. Tsamalashvili called the recording "absurd and a lie", and dismissed suggestions that she had received directions from government officials whilst working at Imedi. She also suggested involvement of Russian special services in the alleged fabrication.[36]Independent analyst Irakli Sesiashvili stated that the recording was "very close" to authentic, and stated his belief that the voices on the recording matched the alleged speakers manner of speaking. Sesiashvili also stated that it is impossible to "maintain natural intonation and idiolect in a fabricated tape".[36]

On 16 March 2010, an audio recording of an alleged telephone conversation between Saakashvili and the Georgian Minister of CultureNika Ruruawas anonymously posted online, and was partially aired byRustavi 2in its 6 pmnews bulletin.In the recording, a man, allegedly Rurua calling fromParis,asks whether the panic caused by the program had "calmed down". In response, another man, allegedly Saakashvili, says that the panic only lasted five minutes, and that Imedi should have placed a caption below the screen to advise viewers it was a simulation. The second man then says that the programme had predicted quite accurately the "Russian scenario", and that he had spoken to Arveladze and told this to him.[38][39]Rurua accused theRussian Federal Security Serviceof fabricating the recording.[40]

Irakli Sesiashvili suggested that Georgian Interior MinisterVano Merabishvili,or his ministry, which is believed to engage in illegal phone-tapping, was behind the leaking of the telephone recordings to the internet, ostensibly in an attempt to discredit Saakashvili.[41]Irakli Alasania,the leader ofAlliance for Georgiacoalition, pressed authorities to carry out expert analysis of the recordings, and also said that foreign experts should participate in verifying whether the recordings are authentic.Giorgi Targamadze,the leader of theChristian-Democratic Movement,called for an ad hoc parliamentary commission to investigate the case, but his proposal was knocked back by lawmakers of the ruling party, who dismissed it as "not serious".[38]

International reaction

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Andrei Nesterenko, the spokesman for theRussian Ministry of Foreign Affairssaid the Imedi program was irresponsible and immoral, and that Russia understood the anger in Georgia as a result of the airing. He also accused the government in Georgia of "political paranoia".[42][43]Nesterenko also stated that Saakashvili's comments on the programme amounted to his approval of its contents.[44]Dmitry Rogozin,thePermanent Representative of Russia to NATO,in an interview withRussia Todaysaid that the programme was a grandiose provocation, and was the continuation of aninformation warthat Saakashvili continued to wage against Russia.[45]Sergey Markov,a member of the RussianState Duma,opined that the programme was aimed at the opposition forces in Georgia, rather than Russia. Markov also stated that hatred towards Russia was part of Saakashvili's political agenda, and that it was a priority that those who cross him by seeking contacts with Russia be discredited,[46]whilst according toBBC News,some also saw the report as a thinly veiled swipe at Georgian opposition figures who metRussian Prime MinisterVladimir Putinin an attempt to mendGeorgia–Russia relations.[9]Nino Burdzhanadzemet with Putin inMoscowthe week before the report, and was accused of treason by parliamentary allies of Saakashvili.[47]Russian media outlets also announced intent to sue Imedi forcopyright infringement,after the Georgian station used footage without permission from the Russian copyright holders.[48]

In calling the report irresponsible, Éric Fournier, theFrench ambassador to Georgia,condemned the use of his image in the fake report. Imedi used archive footage of Fournier talking to journalists, and portrayed Fournier as telling viewers of results of meetings with the Georgian Foreign Minister, where they were briefed on Russia's military operations. Archive footage of theBritishandCzechambassadors were also used in the same segment.[49][50]Denis Keefe,theBritish ambassador in Tbilisi,stated the use of archive footage of himself was a discourtesy to him as Ambassador, and that the program did a disservice to Georgia's reputation as having a responsible and independent media. Keefe also complained that the program suggested that Saakashvili had held discussions with theBritish Prime MinisterGordon Brownabout the "non-existent events described", and stated that neither he, nor theBritish governmenthad any involvement in or previous knowledge of, what he called, Imedi's irresponsible programme.[51]The Ambassador also demanded that Imedi apologise and make it clear that it used his image without his consent or permission.[52][53]United States Ambassador to GeorgiaJohn Basscalled the broadcast irresponsible and perturbing, and said it was not helpful in improving the security situation in the region.[54]

TheEuropean UnionMonitoring Mission in Georgia stated that the airing of the program was irresponsible and had the potential to further destabilise the region, with the possibility of a resumption of military actions between Russian and Georgian troops. The Mission kept in constant contact with theRussian Border Guardsand theGovernment of South Ossetiaduring the broadcast via the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism hotline to ensure that alert levels remained at the status quo.[52][55][56]European Commission PresidentJose Manuel Barroso,after a meeting withGeorgian Prime MinisterNika GilauriinBrussels,expressed his concern over the hoax news report and said theEuropean Unionis "hopeful that intensive work will continue to consolidate democratic institutions, create an inclusive political culture, and ensure full media freedom."[34][57]Barroso also called on the Georgian government to refrain from activities which could increase local and regional tensions.[58]

NATOspokesmanJames Appathuraiin a briefing in Brussels on 24 March 2010 called the false news report "unwise" and "unhelpful".[27]Appathurai also stated that the incident had not been viewed positively within NATO,[27]but would not affectGeorgia's aspirations to enter the alliance.[59]

Abkhaz PresidentSergei Bagapshcalled the programme "tremendous idiocy" and said that no attention should be paid to the contents of the program.[citation needed]

On 16 March 2010,TIMEplaced the fake report at number one of the"Top 10 Shocking Hoaxes",ahead of theAshley Todd mugging hoax,balloon boy hoax,the KSJJ Ochoco Dam hoax,Sidd Finch hoax,1938 The War of the Worlds radio hoax,Anna Anderson,Hitler Diaries hoax,Piltdown Man,and theGreat Stock Exchange Fraud of 1814.[2][14][60]

Valeria Novodvorskayaalleged that the inclusion ofLech Kaczyński's death in an aircraft shoot-down is evidence of complicity of theRussian governmentin Kaczyński's later death in aplane crash on 10 April 2010inSmolensk Oblast.[61]

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