Georgian "Imedi" officially apologizes for simulated "Chronicle"

The Georgian TV Company "Imedi" has asked pardon for the public and diplomatic corps for the hoax news programme "Chronicle" showing a simulated military invasion into Georgia, which was put on air on March 13 and caused panic among the population of the country.

"It's impossible to express in words our compassion to what you, your families and friends lived through on March 13 as a result of the programme. The TV Company "Imedi" serves only to the public and works for the Georgia's better future. We realize that we have disappointed you," runs the statement placed in the official website of the company.

The statement emphasizes that it was never the aim of the company's top managers to convince the viewers of the channel that all the prepared news items are truthful.

"Those who watched the programme from the very beginning knew that it was a simulation. However, we failed to appreciate the power of mobile phones, SMS-messages and the Internet in the modern world. We apologize for it once again," the statement says.

"We assure you that nothing of the sort will repeat. We hope that your trust in our channel will return in the near future," runs the statement of the "Imedi" TV Company.