On May 29, 2020, Alexander Milorava, an activist from the civic movement “I Love Batumi,” set up a tent and went on a hunger strike in front of the Adjara Television building. He demanded the resignation of the television director, Goga Kokhreidze.

Changes at Adjara Television began after April 2019, when the Advisory Council impeached director Natia Kapanadze and removed her from her position. In November of the same year, Goga Kokhreidze was elected as director. He was considered a candidate supported by the ruling party, “Georgian Dream.” Shortly afterward, Kokhreidze dismissed several journalists from the station. Due to unlawful termination, the journalists filed lawsuits and requested that the Prosecutor’s Office launch an investigation into persecution of journalists and interference with their professional activities. For this reason, Alexander Milorava demanded Goga Kokhreidze’s resignation.

The procedure for initiating the director’s impeachment required two members of the Advisory Council. Council member Gia Kartsivadze requested the impeachment. Another member, Tamar Tsilosani, also announced she would support the motion, but ultimately changed her mind. As a result, the impeachment process could not even be initiated. Since three members of the five-person council were appointed under the quota of the ruling party, “Georgian Dream,” pushing the request forward was impossible.

On the 15th day of his protest, Alexander Milorava was forced to end his hunger strike.