Tbilisi, Georgia – A TV journalist and cameraman were violently attacked by masked individuals while covering protests in support of the European Union in Georgia’s capital. Reporter Maka Chikhladze, working for pro-opposition TV Pirveli, was thrown to the ground, while cameraman Giorgi Shetsiruli was kicked in the head on a side street in Tbilisi.
The incident occurred during the 10th night of widespread pro-EU demonstrations across the country. These protests have been sparked by the Georgian government’s decision to halt the progress towards EU membership, leading to growing concerns about the country’s democratic principles under an increasingly authoritarian regime.
The assault on the journalist and cameraman highlights the risks faced by media professionals in Georgia, where press freedom has come under scrutiny in recent years. The attack serves as a grim reminder of the dangers journalists encounter while covering sensitive political issues, especially those that challenge the government.
This act of violence has drawn condemnation from various human rights organizations and media watchdogs, who have called for a thorough investigation into the incident. The safety of journalists is paramount in upholding freedom of the press and ensuring that voices critical of the government are not silenced through intimidation and violence.
The pro-EU protests in Georgia have captured international attention, with many expressing solidarity with the demonstrators’ aspirations for closer ties with Europe. The European Union, in particular, has been closely monitoring the developments in Georgia and has urged the government to respect the rights of its citizens to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
As the protests continue and tensions rise, it is crucial for authorities in Georgia to uphold the rule of law and protect the safety of journalists reporting on these events. The attack on the TV journalist and cameraman serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing media professionals in an environment where press freedom is increasingly under threat.