Several journalists and cameramen were injured during the crackdown on a protest rally near the Parliament in Tbilisi. They reported aggression and deliberate interference in their work by the special forces.
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Aleksandre Keshelashvili, a journalist from Publica, was illegally arrested and beaten while performing his professional duties.
"Lekso came online. He says he probably has a broken nose and head injuries. He is currently being taken to the clinic. His camera was confiscated," wrote Lika Zakashvili, editor of Publica, on social media.
Among the injured are TV Pirveli journalist Ann Mdivani and cameraman Niko Kokaia. According to TV Pirveli, the cameraman was holding a camera and broadcasting live when special forces shot him in the face and sprayed pepper spray on him.
Ana Mdivani was injured by a high-pressure water jet.
"I've been in the ambulance for 20 minutes, and I can barely open my eyes. I couldn't breathe, and all the areas where the water hit me are burning," said the journalist. She is convinced that some chemical substance was mixed in the water.
According to the TV company, the Ministry of Internal Affairs also targeted cameramen Davit Bochikashvili and Giorgi Shetsiruli. The latter, as reported by TV Pirveli, was filming acts of violence against citizens when special forces seized him and physically assaulted him.
Special forces used a water jet on journalist Nanuka Kajaia while she was conducting a live interview with a respondent.
According to Mtavari Arkhi, journalist Dea Mamiseishvili and cameraman Giorgi Goginashvili were injured during the raid on the rally. They were reportedly sprayed with what is commonly referred to as pepper spray.
Netgazeti journalist Givi Avaliani and OC Media journalist Mariam Nikuradze were also injured during the incident.
According to Mediachecker, police officers physically assaulted Giorgi Gogua, the editor of Project 64.
Special forces reportedly detained, physically assaulted, and beheaded Guram Rogava, a journalist from Formula TV.
Georgian Young Lawyers Association Noted that the extent of deliberate harm inflicted on journalists suggests not only an intention to obstruct their activities but also an interest by the police in suppressing coverage of the violent crackdown on the rally.
The President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, expressed solidarity with the journalists. She wrote on Platform X that she stands with the representatives of the Georgian media who were subjected to disproportionate force and attacks while carrying out their work and providing continuous coverage.
