The Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC) has fined the Russian Public Broadcaster and Russian state-owned radio station Vesti FM for illegally operating in Georgia.

The GNCC claimed the outlets were illegally broadcasting, using radio frequencies in Tskhinvali, Gori and in areas adjacent to both cities.

Both outlets were each fined GEL 50,000. The GNCC also demanded that they immediately cease operating in Georgia.

Russian television stations carrying news have been largely unavailable in Georgia proper since August 8. The government forced local cable companies to take them off the air. A small minority of viewers can still access the stations through satellite.