The Media Advocacy Coalition condemns the violence against Mtavari Arkhi TV cameraman Levan Ablotia and journalist Beka Korshia. According to reports, Ablotia suffered a broken hip and ribs at the Georgian Dream office, and an investigation has been launched under Article 124 of the Criminal Code, involving less serious or serious, negligent damage to health.
We believe that the restriction of the TV camera crew and the injury of the cameraman in Kareli on 15 September also contain signs of illegal interference in journalistic activity, which is a circumstance to be taken into account during the investigation process.
The Coalition sees the incident in Kareli as a result of the aggressive policies of the ruling party. We call on the Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia party not to encourage violence against journalists and to call on its supporters to immediately stop attacks on journalists and illegal interference in journalistic activities.