Today, December 17, at a press conference held at the government administration, a journalist from the TV channel "Imedi" asked Irakli Kobakhidze about the collaboration between the media platform Chai Khana and the USAID Civil Society Engagement Program.

Incorrect information regarding this matter has been spread by pro-government television and online media. We would like to clarify that the agreement on collaboration between Chai Khana and the USAID Civil Society Engagement Program has been in place for two years, and this cooperation aims to highlight active civic initiatives and the positive changes resulting from these initiatives.

As the country is engulfed in continuous protests, which remain a priority for media coverage, Chai Khana has also been covering the ongoing protests in its unique format. This involves producing creative documentary films and photo projects by independent authors.

Additionally, Chai Khana operates as a production company that collaborates, through service agreements, with organizations that align with Chai Khana’s values. Under such agreements, Chai Khana is not obligated to publish videos created under these contracts on its own platforms.

According to information disseminated by the TV channel "Imedi," Chai Khana allegedly refused to publish videos related to the protests, which is not true. Such a series of videos was not produced because the format had not yet been finalized with the partner organization. Furthermore, we would like to clearly state that Chai Khana takes pride in its past, current, and future collaborations with international organizations.

We also clarify that there has been no public communication from any involved party regarding the videos planned under the collaboration between Chai Khana and the USAID Civil Society Engagement Program. The question posed to Irakli Kobakhidze by "Imedi" TV gives us reason to believe that this information was likely obtained through illegal surveillance and, subsequently, illegally shared with "Imedi" TV.

In response to the question, Irakli Kobakhidze referenced the so-called “Russian Law,” officially the "Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence," adopted in May 2024. Today's events confirm an intent to obstruct the work of independent media and an attempt to use this law to discredit the media.