IPI is joined by undersigned media freedom, journalists鈥�, and freedom of expression organizations in strongly condemning the recent physical and verbal attacks on independent media by activists of the Georgian Dream ruling party and a police officer.聽
These latest serious physical attacks are the result of long-standing impunity for crimes against journalists in Georgia. We demand an independent and thorough investigation into these incidents and that all those responsible be fully held accountable.
On the evening of September 8, tensions near Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze鈥檚 campaign office escalated between peaceful protesters and Georgian Dream activists. Reports and footage GD supporters and activists attacking protesters, including journalists who were there to cover the demonstration.聽
The confrontation when demonstrators marching from the Public Broadcaster arrived at Kaladze鈥檚 office, encountering GD supporters allegedly waiting in parked cars. GD supporters and militants used bottles and batons to attack protesters and journalists, many of whom were clearly identifiable as members of the press.聽
Several journalists were beaten by the group, including .ge鈥檚 Aleksandre Keshelashvili and Keto Mikadze, whose phones were also stolen. Other journalists documented GD activists throwing objects, shouting insults, and harassing both press and protesters.聽
Hungarian journalist L谩szl贸 M茅zes, the demonstration for independent Hungarian publisher Magyar Hang, was beaten unconscious, had his finger broken, and his phone stolen.聽
Ketevan Khutsishvili of independent media outlet Netgazeti was , physically pushed, and obstructed by the deputy director of the Tbilisi Police Department. In another incident, police reportedly did not react after OC Media co-founder Mariam Nikuradze was with water by a GD supporter.
All of these journalists were wearing press vests and badges and were clearly identifiable as members of the press.聽
Following the incidents, the Interior Ministry published a statement saying it has 鈥� an investigation into group violence.鈥� The statement the police officers 鈥渢ook all relevant measures from the start of the confrontation to cool down the tensions and prevent the further intensification of the conflict.鈥澛�
However, according to footage and reports of independent journalists demonstrate that police either or directly in attacks against journalists.
The attacks on journalists on September 8 are not isolated incidents but part of a broader, ongoing pattern of violence against reporters, police inaction, and impunity for crimes against the press in Georgia. The GD authorities have not only failed to condemn these violent acts but have systematically them, sharing responsibility for the attacks.聽
The scale of media freedom decline and systematic attacks on journalists in Georgia must not be ignored. We our call on the international community to exert stronger pressure on the increasingly authoritarian Georgian Dream regime to end its ongoing assault on independent press.聽
Signed:
International Press Institute (IPI)
Free Press Unlimited聽
European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)
European Centre for Press and media Freedom (ECPMF)
This statement is part of the (MFRR), a Europe-wide mechanism which tracks, monitors and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and Candidate Countries.
