**Journalists Attacked by Police During Rally**
The Media Ombudsman has condemned the police’s brutal treatment of journalists during a rally. The watchdog is calling for investigations into the incidents, which show officers attacking reporters and damaging their equipment.
Several reports and videos have emerged showing police officers pushing, beating, and pepper spraying journalists. Some of those affected include:
* Guram Rogava from Formula TV, who was hit on the back of the head and suffered skull and neck fractures.
* Alexander Keshelashvili from Publika, who was arrested, beaten, and had his equipment taken away.
* Davit Tsagareli from Radio Free Europe, who was hit in the abdomen while live broadcasting.
* Several other journalists were also targeted with water cannons, pepper spray, and physical violence.
These incidents show a disturbing pattern of harassment and violence against journalists. The Media Ombudsman is urging authorities to respect journalists’ rights and launch thorough investigations into these incidents.
**Investigations Called For**
The Media Ombudsman has emphasized the need for accountability under the Criminal Code’s Article 154, which addresses unlawful interference with journalists’ professional activities, and Article 156, which concerns the persecution of journalists. The watchdog is calling on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Special Investigation Service to launch immediate investigations into these incidents.
**Previous Incidents**
This is not the first time journalists have been targeted by police in Georgia. In 2021, journalist Aleksandre Lashkarava was brutally attacked by a far-right mob while covering the 5 July homophobic pogrom and later died.
The Media Ombudsman’s statement follows several other organizations calling for investigations into violence against journalists in Georgia. These include GYLA, which condemned the dispersal as unlawful, inhumane, and involving disproportionate force, and international media watchdogs who called for an investigation into the incidents in October 2024.
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