The Media Advocacy Coalition condemns the unlawful actions taken against media personnel during the protest on February 2. The Coalition strongly denounces the ongoing violence and intimidation directed at independent media by the Chairman of the Georgian Dream’s Parliament and police officials.

On February 1, Shalva Papuashvili, the Chairman of Georgian Dream’s Parliament, attacked the independent online publication “Publika” following its dissemination of information regarding the planned protest at Tbilisi Mall on February 2. In a Facebook post, Papuashvili accused “Publika” of “announcing a criminal offense” and “promoting” it. He further claimed that the EU Embassy was “responsible for the consequences of the pre-announced criminal offense,” alleging that it finances “Publika.”

Representatives from various media organizations view Papuashvili’s remarks as yet another attempt to interfere with the editorial independence of media outlets, aimed at obstructing their operations.

During the peaceful protest on February 2, police unlawfully detained and physically assaulted several participants, as well as obstructing and insulting members of the media. Notable incidents include:
Police prevented Media “April” employees, Vakho Qarel and Nata Uridia, from performing their professional duties.

1. A Radio Free journalist faced obstruction and threats while working.

2. Mtavari Arkhi journalist Dea Mamiseishvili was physically assaulted by police and subsequently reported the incident on Facebook, including a video of the attack.

3. TV Pirveli cameraman Niko Kokaia sustained injuries while covering the illegal detentions and required hospitalization.

4. Police verbally abused TV Pirveli’s filming crew and targeted their broadcasting equipment in an attempt to disrupt their work.

5. Mirza Kezevadze, the deputy head of the GDD, damaged a TV Pirveli journalist’s phone, while there were also attempts to seize Formula TV journalist’s microphone.

6. MediaChecker journalist Ninia Kakabadze was physically pushed by law enforcement while attempting to perform her duties.

7. Guria News reported that a masked individual, not in police uniform, attacked their camera.

These incidents represent a direct assault on press freedom and a severe violation of democratic principles. What is particularly concerning is that these are not isolated events; for years, the Georgian Dream regime has employed violence against its citizens and members of the media. Since November 28, 2024, none of those responsible for the violence against media personnel have faced accountability. Furthermore, Mzia Amaglobeli, the director of Netgazeti and Batumelebi, has been on a hunger strike since her detention and remains unlawfully imprisoned.

The Media Advocacy Coalition stands in full solidarity with the affected journalists and media organizations. The ongoing persecution and intimidation of media representatives in the country is wholly unacceptable.

Photo: Mariam NIkuradze, OC-Media