 A criminal case against its co-owner, Badri Patarkatsishvili was launched  however Patarkatsishvili denied the charges against him claiming that they were politically motivated.On December 26, 2007, several leading journalists from Imedi TV left their jobs following the release of video and audio recordings by the authorities suggesting that Badri Patarkatsishvili, the station's founder and co-owner, was plotting a coup.Later that day, the television station’s management announced that Imedi TV temporarily suspended broadcasts until the station's "legal status in respect of ownership is not clarified."