The information trajectory of news about Gakharia-Kezerashvili alleged cooperation
On may 27, Online news outlet “Ongo.ge” has published information claiming that David Kezerashvili finances new political party of Giorgi Gakharia. The author of the article is a journalist Keti Khatiashvili, who references the informant as a “credible source”.
Shortly, the information citing Ongo.ge was spread via different media outlets on Facebook pages and groups. In public groups, the material was disseminated by the media sources itself or a dubious personal account. Media outlets that shared the news included: PosTV, Imedi News, Media Center Mtavari, For.ge, Marshalpress, Tvalsazrisi, Exclusive News, InternetPublishing Leader, Mediaholding Sunday, Spacenews, Primetime.
The spreading tactic, which in some cases has been sponsored, took a form of coordinated discrediting campaign. For instance, the page called “Informative Blog” sponsored post regarding the financing of the party.
„Ongo.ge“ is an online news-source created in 2019, which shares anti-opposition views. The name resembles another popular online media “On.ge”. The web-name similarity was likely intended to increase credibility among readers.