The night of November 28-29, 2024, will stand out in Georgia’s recent history as another act of systematic violence against the media by the Ruling Party “Georgian Dream”. This organized violence against journalists represents a determined effort to establish an authoritarian regime.
On November 28, during dispersal of the peaceful rally against the Ruling Party’s decision to abort EU accession talks and suspend the EU integration process, the riot police launched a punitive operation against journalists, photographers, and cameramen, resulting in injuries to more than 30 media representatives who were obstructed from performing their professional duties. The list of incidents continues to grow.
Special forces intentionally targeted media representatives, even though they were clearly identified by their press badges and equipment. Live broadcasts captured moments of journalists being beaten, verbally abused, detained, and having their professional equipment damaged or seized, indicating a clear intent to obstruct media coverage.
Methods typical of authoritarian regimes were employed against journalists, as clearly illustrated by individual examples:
- The detention and beating of “Publika” journalist Alexander Keshelashvili, despite his repeated claims of being a journalist
- The attack on “Formula” journalist Guram Rogava during a live broadcast, resulted in severe head injury.
- The assault and injury of five employees from “TV Pirveli” including an attack on a cameraman
Injured journalists represent various outlets, including:
- Publika
- Formula
- TV Pirveli
- Adjara Television
- Netgazeti
- OC Media
- JAMnews
- Project 64
- Mtavari Channel
- Radio Liberty
- Studio Monitor
- Media Aprili
The violence against journalists and restrictions on their professional activities not only jeopardize the media but also infringe upon the rights of every citizen to be informed about current events.
The coalition urges law enforcement to reject illegal orders and to uphold Georgia’s constitution and laws.
For updated list follow the link: The Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics.
Attack on Radio Free journalist during live broadcast
