Reporters Without Borders Condemns Police Violence Against Journalists in Georgia
The press freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has spoken out against the violence faced by journalists during recent protests in Georgia. The organization says that more than 70 reporters have been attacked, some of them repeatedly.
RSF is shocked by the level of impunity for those responsible for these attacks. The police used tear gas, pepper spray, and water cannons mixed with chemicals to disperse protesters, causing severe injuries to several journalists. Some suffered chemical burns and needed weeks to recover before returning to work.
The RSF recalls specific cases of attacks on journalists and notes that investigations by the Special Investigation Service have been ineffective. The organization is concerned about recent legislative amendments that tighten restrictions on peaceful protests. These changes include banning masks, which are essential for journalists working in hazardous environments.
RSF also highlights how these new laws could be used to target reporters covering protests. The police now have more powers to arrest and search people without reason. This decline in press freedom is part of a broader decline in Georgian democracy, as highlighted in an alarming report by RSF and nine partner organizations published before the legislative elections.
RSF also recalls the adoption of the Foreign Agents’ law in August, which has been accompanied by a hate campaign against journalists. The organization believes this threatens the existence of media outlets financed by international funds.
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