The Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics reports that on November 28–29, approximately 40 media representatives were injured during the police dispersal of a protest rally on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. Most required emergency medical assistance, with some hospitalized for fractures and other bodily injuries.
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Injured journalists reported that the chemical irritants used during the protest crackdown were significantly more potent this time, causing skin and eye burns, vision damage, and breathing difficulties.
5 employees of TV Pirveli were injured:
- Cameraman Nika Kokaia was repeatedly sprayed with pepper spray directly in the face.
- Journalist Ana Mdivani was also sprayed with pepper spray, triggering a spasmodic attack.
- Police officers attacked and physically assaulted cameraman Giorgi Shetsiruli.
- Journalist Nanuka Kajaia and her respondent were targeted with a water cannon.
- Cameraman Davit Bichikashvili, who was working alongside Nanuka Kajaia, sustained injuries.
Additionally, Dea Mamiseishvili, a journalist from the Mtavari Arkhi and cameraman Giorgi Goginashvili were injured by chemical substances. Journalist Keta Tsitskishvili was verbally abused by police officers and prevented from performing her professional duties. Police also obstructed journalist Davit Kobidze and cameraman Luka Bachilava from carrying out their work.
A special forces officer physically assaulted Formula journalist Guram Rogava, causing severe injuries, including a facial bone fracture and a fractured vertebra in his neck. Even before the assault, police officers forcibly removed him from the area while he was on air, preventing him from doing his job. Journalist Giorgi Kvizhinadze and cameraman Tedo Kvachakhia were injured by chemical substances, while journalist Khatia Samkharadze was sprayed with pepper spray.
Radio Liberty reported that a masked special forces officer physically assaulted their journalist, Davit Tsagareli, punching him in the stomach while he was live on air. Journalist Salome Chaduneli was injured near the Kashveti Church, while cameramen Ilia Ratiani and Zuka Khidasheli sustained minor injuries and faced interference with their professional activities.
Publica journalist Aleksandre Keshelashvili was illegally arrested at the rally. During the arrest, police officers abused him, causing head and facial injuries that required hospitalization and surgery. Journalist Natia Amiranashvili had her phone thrown away and was prevented from working. Photojournalist Mindia Gabadze was injured by law enforcement officers while performing her professional duties, and journalist Basti Mgaloblishvili repeatedly faced interference with his work, including being punched and kicked multiple times.
Media Aprili reported that photojournalist Tbel Abuseridze was injured.
According to Publica, police officers physically assaulted Project 64 founder Giorgi Gogua.
OC Media co-founder and journalist Mariam Nikuradze was injured when a water jet knocked her down. Her phone was thrown several times, her camera was damaged, and she was sprayed with pepper spray.
Netgazeti journalist Givi Avaliani was sprayed directly in the face with pepper spray.
Radio Liberty reported that Channel One cameraman Davit Bezhanishvili was injured.
JAMnews stated that Ukrainian photojournalist Yulia Kalaban was sprayed with pepper spray directly in the face, knocked down, and kicked while on the ground.
A Rustavi 2 journalist was injured by a water cannon.
A riot policeman kicked ExpressNews journalist Irakli Managadze.
Police officers forcibly removed Studio Monitor journalists Nino Tsverava and Nino Shubitidze from the entrance to the Kashveti Church, preventing them from filming. Cameraman Giorgi Baramidze was kicked by a police officer.
Adjara Television journalist Nino Lorchoshvili was injured by pepper spray.
A German journalist covering the protest sustained injuries around the eye area, as shown in a released photo.
The Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics condemned the police’s persecution of journalists and cameramen during the rally’s dispersal, highlighting deliberate interference with their work and the intentional damage and seizure of equipment.
The Charter called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to act within the law and to end violence and arbitrariness. It also urged the Prosecutor's Office of Georgia to promptly and effectively investigate the alleged crimes committed by police forces on November 28–29.
