“I’m not sure everything will go the way Adam Michnik hopes.”

Maia, housewife, 42



“These days, it’s hard to predict what’ll happen. I’d very much like Imedi back soon—we like Imedi!”

Eka, teacher, 36



“I don’t think Imedi TV will be back on our screens before the elections, because it’s not an objective channel, so the government will be reluctant to let it back on air.”

Valery, student, 21



“I think Imedi will be restored in a week. What Saakashvili’s done to the channel is quite enough already—he wouldn’t dare do anything more.”

Lika, student, 23



“I think it will re-open, but if it doesn’t, it’ll mean that the elections are unfair and rigged, so it’d be better if the channel continued broadcasting in a week.”

Marina, housewife, 47



“Of course Imedi will be back on air. If it isn’t, it’ll send out a signal that the Georgian media doesn’t enjoy freedom of expression.”

Natia, economist, 35



“Imedi should definitely resume broadcasting, but that’s unlikely to happen within a week.”

Gulnara, IDP, 68



“The foreign expert can only make recommendations—no one can force you to do anything. My hunch is that the government will try to drag out the ban until after the January 5 elections.”

Akaki, pensioner, 78



“I believe it will re-open: international involvement is bound to have an effect on the government.”

Izolda, IDP, 54