Between May 2024 and May 2025, 342 cases of violations against the rights of media representatives were reported in Georgia

While covering ongoing protests in Tbilisi and other cities across Georgia, a clear pattern has emerged: journalists, camera operators, and photographers are increasingly being obstructed in their work. This includes instances of verbal and physical abuse, as well as the damage to or confiscation of their equipment.

More recently, a new trend has emerged in which media representatives are fined for “blocking roads” while covering protests. There have also been documented cases of journalists being harassed or even dismissed from their jobs for expressing critical opinions.Since November 28, 2024, the Center for Media, Information, and Social Research has documented 145 incidents in which the rights of media representatives were violated during pro-European protests or related events. In total, 193 journalists, photographers, and camera operators have been targeted by repressive actions.Dozens of those reporters were targeted by various forms of repression multiple times.

In addition, the police issued up to 40 fines to media representatives. Of these, 33 fines were issued to journalists for allegedly blocking the road while performing their professional duties. Some journalists were fined more than once.

Publicly documented list of incidents:

1. On June 4, 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs fined Netgazeti journalist Nino Baidauri 5,000 GEL. She is the 37th journalist the Ministry has accused of blocking the road while performing professional duties.
2. On June 4, 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs informed Mariam Nikuradze, the founder and director of OC Media, that a negative decision had been made regarding one of the four fines she had appealed. The remaining three are still under review. Mariam Nikuradze is being accused of blocking the road while carrying out her professional duties, based on which the Ministry of Internal Affairs issued her four fines of 5,000 GEL each.
3. On June 2, 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs fined Media 64’s graphic designer, Beka Beridze, 5,000 GEL. He is being accused of blocking a road on February 11. According to the media, Beka Beridze was performing his professional duties at the time.
4. On May 31, 2025, Khatia Ghoghoberidze, editor-in-chief of the Media April, was informed that she had been fined 5,000 GEL for allegedly “illegally blocking the road.” The Ministry of Internal Affairs claims that she blocked the road on March 29.
5. On May 31, 2025, the Tbilisi City Court found Natia Gogsadze, former TV anchor and journalist for Mtavari Arkhi, guilty of an administrative offense and fined her 5,000 GEL for “blocking the road.”
6. On May 23, 2025, Judge Zviad Tsekvava fined Publika journalist Mariam Kavshbaia 5,000 GEL. The police had filed an administrative offense report against her on February 3 of this year, accusing her of illegally blocking the road while performing her professional duties.
7. On May 1, 2025, TV Pirveli cameraman Lasha Jioshvili was fined 3,000 GEL over a Facebook post he had published.
8. On April 30, 2025, Formula TV journalists Eliso Jariashvili and Tata Forakishvili received notifications that their accreditation to the Georgian Parliament had been suspended for one month.
9. On April 29, 2025, the management of the Georgian Public Broadcaster’s First Channel denied entry to a meeting of the Public Broadcaster’s Board of Trustees to Nino Zautashvili, Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani, and Giga Kitia — former employees who had publicly criticized the channel’s editorial policy for favoring the government.
10. On April 25, 2025, Tabula news agency journalist Luka Katsitadze was informed that he had been fined 5,000 GEL for allegedly “illegally blocking the road.” The accusation relates to an incident that took place on April 12.
11. On April 25, 2025, journalist Irina Makaridze was informed that she had been fined for allegedly blocking the road. She had been covering the ongoing protest on Rustaveli Avenue for the newspaper Qronika+ and the news agency CNews.
12. On April 24, 2025, Publika reporter Mindia Gabadze was ordered to leave a courtroom. Judge Davit Tetraulidze expelled the journalist for asking a question during the hearing. Gabadze was covering the trial of businessman Giorgi Chkheidze.
13. On April 23, 2025, photographer and OC Media founder Mariam Nikuradze was notified of her fourth 5,000 GEL fine, once again for allegedly blocking the road.
14. On April 17, 2025, the management of the Georgian Public Broadcaster’s First Channel imposed disciplinary measures on three additional employees who had publicly criticized the channel’s editorial policy for favoring the government. The employees are Tukha Kvinikadze, editor of the program Real Space; Tamar Chincharauli, executive producer of the Weekend Show; and Ana Abakelia, a correspondent for the same program.
15. On April 17, 2025, Tbilisi City Court Judge Zviad Tskekva fined Saba Sordia, a journalist from the outlet Indigo, 2,500 GEL for allegedly disobeying police orders.
16. On April 17, 2025, Mariam Nikuradze, founder of OC Media and a photographer, received notice of a third fine for allegedly blocking a road. She stated that she has already appealed the first two fines but has not yet received confirmation that legal proceedings have started. She plans to appeal the third fine as well.
17. On April 16, 2025, JAMnews journalist Irakli Datunashvili received an official notice informing him that he is being accused of blocking a road during a protest held on February 26 of the same year.
18. On April 11, 2025, two prominent journalists—Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani and Nino Zautashvili—were dismissed from the Georgian Public Broadcaster’s First Channel. The official reason given for their dismissal was a disciplinary investigation.
19. The management of the Georgian Public Broadcaster’s First Channel took disciplinary action against four employees who had publicly criticized the channel’s editorial stance, accusing it of being biased in favor of the government. The employees are: Tamar Mshvenieradze, a journalist for the program Real Space; anchor Ioseb Katsitadze; Kakha Melikidze, technical director and part-time director of the sports channel; and Irma Chubinidze, head of the branding and promotion team.
20. On April 10, 2025, Formula TV journalist Eliso Jariashvili received a phone notification informing her that she had been fined. She said the fine was related to an accusation that she blocked the road on March 12 while filming interviews for the show With the People on Rustaveli Avenue.
21. On April 8, 2025, Tozu Gulmamedova, a journalist for the online outlet Mautskebeli, was notified that she had been fined for allegedly blocking the road during a protest on February 16. At the time, she was carrying out her professional duties as a journalist.
22. On April 6, 2025, Indigo journalist Saba Sordia was detained for allegedly “disobeying police orders” and taken to the Digomi detention facility. He is accused of disobeying and verbally abusing police officers. A court ruling on his case is expected on April 17.
23. On March 28, 2025, during a protest in front of Parliament, police physically obstructed Nata Uridia, a journalist for the media outlet Aprili, while she was filming the protest with her mobile phone.
24. On March 27, 2025, the pro-government television channel Imedi spread disinformation targeting Georgian Public Broadcaster journalists Nino Zautashvili and Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani, both known for their critical views. The channel falsely accused them of receiving “illegal income.”
25. On March 25, 2025, it was reported that Nino Dalakishvili, the Voice of America correspondent in Georgia, was fined 5,000 GEL for allegedly blocking the road. The accusation stems from an incident in which she was broadcasting live near Parliament while performing her journalistic duties. Dalakishvili has appealed the fine.
26. On March 23, 2025, it was revealed that Ani Jobava, a journalist with the Georgian Public Broadcaster’s First Channel, had been temporarily removed from her program. She stated that she was no longer invited to editorial meetings, and the show eventually returned to air without her. Jobava is among several journalists who have recently spoken out against the channel’s editorial policy.
27. On March 21, 2025, during a board meeting, members of the Public Broadcaster’s board of trustees affiliated with the ruling party, Georgian Dream, called on the Prosecutor’s Office to launch an investigation against three employees—Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani, Nino Zautashvili, and Kakhaber Melikidze—who had publicly criticized the channel’s editorial policy.
28. On March 19, 2025, Mariam Nikuradze—founder, director, and photographer at OC Media—received two administrative fine notices. She was accused of blocking the road during protests on March 11 and 15, while carrying out her professional duties. Nikuradze stated that she plans to appeal both fines.
29. On March 19, 2025, Radio Tbilisi journalist Merab Merkiladze was informed that he had been fined for allegedly blocking the road during the March 15 protest.
30. On March 18, 2025, the Batumi City Court fined journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, 2,000 GEL for placing a protest sticker on the Batumi police building.
31. On March 11, 2025, Giorgi Mosiashvili, a cameraman for TV Pirveli, was fined 5,000 GEL (approximately $1,800) for allegedly “artificially blocking the road” while covering a protest on Rustaveli Avenue. This marked his second fine for the same offense; the first was issued on February 21. Mosiashvili has appealed both fines, but as of now, he has not received any response from the Ministry of Internal Affairs regarding the status of these appeals.
32. On March 17, 2025, the Tbilisi City Court found Publika journalist Aleksandre Keshelashvili guilty of disobeying police orders during the November 29, 2024, protest in front of Parliament. Despite being arrested and severely beaten while covering the demonstration, Keshelashvili received a verbal reprimand from the court.
33. On March 15, 2025, Gela Mtivlishvili, editor-in-chief of Mtis Ambebi, was allegedly attacked by personnel from the Ministry of Internal Affairs while returning from a shoot in western Georgia. According to Mtivlishvili, his car was pursued on the highway by a white pickup truck, forcing him to stop. Upon stopping, two armed individuals exited the truck, cursed and threatened him. When Mtivlishvili attempted to film the incident, one of the assailants struck him multiple times and tried to seize his phone. Eyewitnesses captured video footage of the attack.
34. On March 13, 2025, Formula TV journalist Nano Chakvetadze was fined for blocking a road while on duty at a protest on Rustaveli Avenue.
35. On March 12, 2025, Radio Liberty producer Beka Beradze received a verbal warning from the court for disobeying police. He was detained on December 1, 2024, during a protest and released without charges at that time.
36. On March 9, 2025, Formula TV journalist Irakli Tabliashvili was issued a fine for allegedly blocking a road during the February 24 protest.
37. On February 28, 2025, the Georgian Public Broadcaster’s First Channel did not renew the contract of Anna Metreveli, assistant producer of the radio programs “Afternoon Peak” and “Evening Peak,” citing her criticism of the channel’s editorial policy.
38. On February 24, 2025, Radio Liberty journalist Gela Bochikashvili was fined for allegedly blocking a road during the February 21 protest. He appealed, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs has accepted the case, promising a decision within three months.
39. On February 21, 2025, “TV Pirveli” cameraman and photographer Giorgi Mosiashvili was fined 5,000 GEL for allegedly blocking a roadway while performing professional duties. He appealed the fine but has not yet received a response.
40. On February 21, 2025, the Patrol Police contacted “Studio Monitor” journalist Nino Tsvrava. She was accused of blocking the road during a protest on February 17, while she was carrying out her professional duties. The journalist presented a certificate from her workplace to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, based on which she was informed that the fine had been waived.
41. On February 21, 2025, “Radio Liberty” journalist Giorgi Diasamidze was informed by phone about being fined. He is also accused of blocking the road while covering the protest on February 17. Diasamidze appealed the fine, but has not yet received a response.
42. On February 20, 2025, another journalist from “Studio Monitor,” Nino Shubitidze, received a notification about being fined. She is also accused of blocking the road on February 17, while she was at the protest to cover the event. Like her colleague, Nino Shubitidze submitted a certificate from her workplace, based on which the fine was also waived.
43. In the early hours of February 19, 2025, police used force to detain “TV Pirveli” cameraman Lasha Jioshvili. It was later revealed that he was arrested under Article 173 of the Administrative Offenses Code, which refers to disobedience to a lawful order of a police officer. On February 20, the court found Lasha Jioshvili guilty of an administrative offense and fined him 2,500 GEL.
44. On February 19, 2025, Basti Mgaloblishvili, a journalist from the online outlet “Publika,” posted a status on social media stating that he was being summoned to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to receive a formal notice. As Mgaloblishvili was informed during a phone call, the police accuse him of unlawfully blocking a roadway on February 14, 2025.
45. On February 14, 2025, “Tabula” journalist Beka Jikurashvili was accused of blocking the road while performing his professional duties. According to “Tabula,” Jikurashvili was wearing a press badge and was engaged in journalistic work at the time. The fine has been appealed.
46. On February 13, 2025, law enforcement authorities informed Natia Gogsadze, a journalist and TV host from the broadcaster “Mtavari Arkhi,” about being fined. She is accused of blocking the road during a protest on February 2. The case materials have already been handed over to the journalist, and a court hearing is scheduled for May 2.
47. On February 12, 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs filed a case in court against Aleksandre Keshelashvili, a photojournalist from the online outlet “Publika.” The ministry accuses Keshelashvili of violating Articles 166 and 173 of the Administrative Offenses Code, which pertain to petty hooliganism and disobedience to a police officer, respectively.
48. On February 10, 2025, the Tbilisi City Court found “Mtavari Arkhi” cameraman Sergi Baramidze guilty of an administrative offense and issued a verbal warning. Baramidze had been subjected to violence by law enforcement officers while performing his professional duties.
49. On February 5, 2025, photographer Vakho Karel from the outlet “April” was contacted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and informed that he was being accused of blocking the road during the January 26 protest. On that day, the photographer was performing his journalistic duties at the protest. The outlet has appealed the fine, but the case is not yet concluded.
50. On February 4, 2025, Gela Mtivlishvili, founder and editor of the outlet “Mountain Stories,” published a Facebook post revealing that a vehicle belonging to the editorial team had been deliberately damaged. According to Mtivlishvili, the individual who damaged the car later came knocking on the door of the journalist’s home.
51. On February 4, 2025, law enforcement authorities contacted “Tabula” journalist Nikoloz Chiraqadze and informed him that he had violated traffic regulations while being present on the capital’s main avenue on January 17, and that he would have to undergo legal procedures. The fine has been appealed.
52. On February 4, 2025, while performing his professional duties, Vincent Khabeshishvili, editor-in-chief of “NEWS.On.ge,” was violently thrown to the ground by a police officer with a strong blow to the head.
53. Also on February 4, 2025, while covering events in front of the Parliament, police officers assaulted “Publika” journalist Natia Leverageishvili—they hit her and pulled her by the hair.
54. On February 4, 2025, a masked police officer attempted to seize the phone of “OC Media” journalist Givi Avaliani while he was performing his professional duties.
55. Also on February 4, 2025, the Public Broadcaster temporarily suspended journalist Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani, anchor of the 6 PM news program. The decision was reportedly based on the producers’ refusal to continue working with Ivanov-Chikovani. The journalist himself linked the suspension to his critical stance toward the station’s editorial policy.
56. On February 2, 2025, “TV Pirveli” cameraman Niko Kokaia was injured during a protest. According to the broadcaster, he was apparently kicked in the stomach while performing his professional duties, causing him to fall. He was taken to a clinic, where he was diagnosed with a concussion.
57. On February 2, 2025, a police officer pushed and obstructed Nata Uridia, a staff member of the online outlet “April,” in the course of her professional duties. A video released by the media shows footage of the incident and captures the reporter’s voice as she tells the masked officer that she is a journalist.
58. Also on February 2, 2025, during the detention of protesters, police interfered with the work of another “April” staff member, photographer Vakho Karel, ordering him to leave the area.
59. On the same day, February 2, 2025, “Radio Liberty” journalist Gela Bochikashvili was obstructed and threatened by a police officer while doing his job. A video released by the outlet captures a masked officer saying to the journalist: “Move that camera now, or I’ll smash your head.”
60. Additionally, on February 2, 2025, a police officer verbally and physically assaulted Dea Mamiseishvili, a journalist from the broadcaster “Mtavari Arkhi.” A video published by the TV station shows the officer blocking her path and trying to forcibly remove her from the area.
61. On February 2, 2025, “Radio Marneuli” journalist Vladimir Chkhitunidze was filming the arrest of an opposition politician when officers from the Department of Special Tasks (DST) stopped him and forcibly removed him from the roadway.
62. Also on February 2, 2025, police verbally insulted and obstructed “TV Pirveli” journalist Diana Chirgadze and her cameraman while they were working.
63. On the same day, “TV Pirveli” journalist Khatia Samkharadze was verbally abused by Mirza Kezevadze, Deputy Head of the Department of Special Tasks. According to the broadcaster, the official also seized her phone and damaged it.
64. Additionally, on February 2, 2025, according to “TV Pirveli,” DST members attempted to seize a microphone from “Formula” journalist Giorgi Kvizhinadze and interfered with his professional work.
65. That same day, a masked police officer obstructed Akaki Sikharulidze, a representative of “Guria News,” in the course of his journalistic duties. A published video shows the masked officer pushing the camera.
66. Also on February 2, 2025, police interfered with journalist Ninia Kakabadze from “Mediachecker” during her filming. Officers also physically pushed her.
67. On February 1, 2025, the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, accused the online outlet “Publika” of promoting a call to commit a criminal offense. He referred to a poster published by the outlet about a protest planned for February 2 as such content.
68. On January 22, 2025, “Radio Liberty” journalist Eka Kevanishvili was accused of blocking the road during a protest. On that day, she was performing her professional duties alongside a cameraman. Radio Liberty submitted documentation to the police confirming that Kevanishvili was working in a journalistic capacity. The ministry’s response is still unknown.
69. On January 18, 2025, police threatened to fine Gela Mtivlishvili, editor of “Mountain Stories,” who was present on Rustaveli Avenue to cover a protest.
70. On January 12, 2025, during a protest near the Constitutional Court in Batumi, police arrested Guram Murvanidze, a cameraman and photographer for the outlet “Batumelebi,” while he was covering the demonstration. He was sentenced to 8 days of administrative detention.
71. On the night of January 11, 2025, during a protest near the police department in Batumi, police arrested Mzia AmaglobeLi, founder and director of the outlets “Batumelebi” and “Netgazeti,” for an administrative offense. She was detained for posting a protest-related sticker on a wall and was later released after signing a written statement.
72. On the night of January 12, 2025, during a protest near the police department in Batumi, police arrested Mzia AmaglobeLi, founder and director of the outlets “Batumelebi” and “Netgazeti.” She is under investigation under Article 353¹, Part 1 of the Criminal Code — assault on a police officer, a special penitentiary service employee, another government representative, or a public institution. The offense carries a prison sentence of 4 to 7 years.
73. On January 4, 2025, “Mtavari Arkhi” journalist Aleksandre Sajaya was accused of blocking the road while performing his professional duties. The court reviewed his case and issued a verbal warning.
74. On January 3, 2025, Davit Kekenadze, a journalist with the international media organization “Euronews,” was also accused of blocking the road while working. He was fined 5,000 GEL on the grounds that the footage submitted to the court did not show any press identification symbols. The journalist did not appeal the decision to a higher authority and paid the fine.
75. On December 24, 2024, photographer Giorgi Mosiashvili was approached on the street by an unknown individual who attempted to physically assault him. The attacker was unable to carry out the assault due to the photographer’s resistance.
76. On the same day, December 24, 2024, “TV Pirveli” journalist Nanuka Kajaya was obstructed in her journalistic work and subjected to verbal and physical abuse by several individuals affiliated with “Georgian Dream” at a Christmas village event organized by the Tbilisi City Hall.
77. On December 17, 2024, while covering a protest in front of the Parliament in Tbilisi, the “TV Pirveli” crew—journalist Nanuka Kajaya and cameraman Niko Kokaia—were verbally abused and obstructed in their work by a person dressed in civilian clothing.
78. On December 16, 2024, in Batumi, while covering a protest, the editor of the outlet “Batumelebi,” Eter Turadze, was obstructed in her work by the head of the Adjara police, who forcibly removed her from the area. At the same protest, she was also addressed aggressively by the head of Batumi police.
79. On the same day, December 16, 2024, the director of the local Poti-based TV station “9th Wave,” Germane Salia, was fined 1,000 GEL by a patrol unit for “participating in a group protest motorcade.” According to the Journalism Resource Center (JRC), the incident refers to a December 13 protest march in Poti, which Salia was covering as a media representative.
80. On December 7, 2024, “TV Pirveli” journalist Maka Chikhladze and cameraman Giorgi Shesiruli were violently attacked by unknown individuals on Besiki Street in Tbilisi while broadcasting live. Their equipment was also damaged during the assault.
81. On December 7, 2024, a special forces officer obstructed a “Palitra News” journalist who was filming the dispersal of a protest with a mobile phone and damaged the device.
82. In the early hours of December 7, 2024, “Mtavari Arkhi” journalist and anchor Beka Qorshia was arrested during a protest. According to the broadcaster, he was physically assaulted during the arrest.
83. Also on December 7, 2024, “Mtavari Arkhi” journalist Dea Mamiseishvili was verbally abused during a protest.
84. That same day, members of the Department of Special Tasks (DST) interfered with and attempted to detain JRC crew members Davit Kvavadze and Natia Kuprashvili, who were filming protesters being surrounded and detained.
85. On December 7, 2024, “Kavkazsky Uzel” journalist Beslan Kmuzov was arrested and had his phone confiscated. He stated that he was detained after photographing DST officers on Rustaveli Avenue. The court fined him 2,000 GEL and released him on December 9.
86. On December 6, 2024, while covering a protest in Tbilisi, police obstructed “Publika” journalists Natia Amiranishvili and Basti Mgaloblishvili. The officers attempted to seize their phones as they recorded the detention of protesters.
87. Also on December 6, 2024, during coverage of a protest, “Publika” journalist Mindia Gabadze was physically assaulted by an unidentified individual. A video shows bystanders asking police to detain the attacker, but the officers failed to respond. Gabadze sustained facial injuries.
88. On December 4, 2024, “Formula” cameraman Tedo Kvachakhia was injured by tear gas used during a protest dispersal. He required first aid.
89. Also on December 4, 2024, “First Channel” cameraman Beso Gaprindashvili was injured during a protest on Rustaveli Avenue. He sustained a hand injury and was hospitalized. According to the broadcaster, he was struck by a firework.
90. On the same day, December 4, 2024, “Formula” reported that its journalist Luka Tqebuchava was deliberately targeted twice with gas canisters by special forces.
91. “TV Pirveli” journalist Nanuka Kajaya was also verbally and physically assaulted on December 4, 2024, near the “Courtyard Marriott” hotel. A criminal police officer smashed the broadcaster’s camera.
92. Finally, on December 4, 2024, a plainclothes law enforcement officer with no visible identification pushed “Formula” journalist Salome Bokuchava and attempted to obstruct her work. She was reporting live on the arrest of opposition politicians Aleko Elisashvili and Zurab Datunashvili.
93. On December 3, 2024, according to Public Broadcaster First Channel, journalist Teona Khubulava and cameramen Levan Kartvelishvili and Badri Gamrekelashvili were injured during a protest dispersal on Rustaveli Avenue after law enforcement used gas canisters. They received medical assistance on the spot.
94. Also on December 3, 2024, a special forces officer seized the phone of “Studio Monitor” journalist Nino Ramishvili while she was filming the beating of a protest participant. According to Ramishvili, she was wearing press identification and repeatedly told officers she was with the media, yet the phone was not returned.
95. On the same day, “TV Pirveli” reported that its broadcasting equipment was damaged during the dispersal of the protest, including a live transmission camera, which was rendered unusable.
96. On December 3, 2024, “Chaikhana” journalist Natali Chkhartishvili was forced to drop her Handycam while filming the detention of protest participants. She was also yelled at and told to turn off the camera.
97. Also on December 3, 2024, “Mtavari Arkhi” cameraman Givi Mchedlishvili became unwell while working. During a live broadcast, journalist Dea Mamiseishvili can be heard asking protesters to help the cameraman with saline solution.
98. That same day, JRC cameraman Bakar Kvavadze was hit in the leg by a gas canister, according to information shared with “Mediachecker.”
99. On December 2, 2024, during the dispersal of a protest inside Rustaveli metro station, police arrested Giorgi Chagelishvili, a journalist from the online outlet “Mautsgebeli.” A video shows Chagelishvili telling officers he is a journalist, but he was detained nonetheless.
100. Also on December 2, 2024, while filming the detention of protesters near Rustaveli metro station, a journalist from the online outlet “Publika” was pushed by a police officer, causing them to drop their phone.
101. On the same day, Mariam Nikuradze, editor of OC Media, was slammed into a wall by a police officer, resulting in damage to her camera.
102. On December 2, 2024, “Rustavi 2” journalist Tamta Chitishvili was injured near the Parliament. According to the broadcaster, the journalist will likely require surgical intervention.
103. On the same day, December 2, 2024, “Rustavi 2” cameraman Giorgi Nergadze was also injured near the Parliament. He received medical assistance on site from emergency doctors.
104. On December 2, 2024, “TV Pirveli” cameraman Niko Kokaia was injured during a protest. According to the journalist, he was likely sprayed with pepper spray. He received first aid at the scene from emergency medics. According to the “Media Ombudsman,” journalist Mariam Makasarashvili was also injured alongside Kokaia.
105. On December 2, 2024, a “TV Pirveli” cameraman who was filming the detention of citizens inside a business center on Besiki Street in Tbilisi was obstructed by DST officers and threatened not to record the footage.
106. On December 2, 2024, while performing his professional duties, a police officer assaulted Giorgi Baskhajaure, a journalist from the outlet “April.” Baskhajaure was filming the detention of protesters when officers attempted to seize his phone and chased him.
107. Also on December 2, 2024, Guranda Bilikhodze, an employee of the pro-government propaganda outlet “POST TV,” was injured by tear gas during the protest. The information was reported by the online outlet “Publika.”
108. On December 1, 2024, “First Channel” photojournalist Irakli Gedenidze was injured while covering a protest. According to the Public Broadcaster, the photographer was working near the “Tbilisi Marriott” hotel when he was injured—reportedly struck in the leg by a firework.
109. On the same day, a law enforcement officer used aggressive and offensive language toward “Mtavari Arkhi” journalist Keta Tsitskishvili.
110. On December 1, 2024, “TV Pirveli” cameraman Giorgi Shesiruli was injured while working live at a protest. According to the broadcaster, he sustained a leg injury. Shesiruli was taken by emergency responders to Aladashvili Clinic.
111. Also on December 1, 2024, a “Formula” TV crew was caught in a water cannon blast used to disperse protesters.
112. On that same day, a cameraman from “Formula” was injured during the protest, reportedly due to exposure to gas deployed for crowd dispersal.
113. On December 1, 2024, DST officers detained Beka Beradze, a producer for “Radio Liberty.” According to media reports, he was beaten after being taken into custody. Beradze was near the protest site when he found himself surrounded by police. Despite informing them of his profession, he was still arrested. He was later released without being charged with an administrative offense.
114. On the same day, December 1, 2024, photographer Nikoloz Tabukashvili from the online outlet “On.ge” was arrested during the protest. He was later released from court with a verbal warning.
115. On November 30, 2024, “First Channel” photographer Mirian Meladze was reportedly injured by a rubber bullet on Rustaveli Avenue.
116. Also on November 30, 2024, “TV Pirveli” journalist Mariam Gaprindashvili was injured. According to the broadcaster, she lost consciousness multiple times. Video footage shows blood coming from her forehead. She was taken to a medical facility.
117. On November 30, 2024, “TV Pirveli” cameraman Papuna Khachidze was physically assaulted during the protest.
118. On the same day, Anna Mskhaladze, a journalist from the online outlet “Publika,” was attacked by a DST officer while filming the detention of citizens. The officer hit her, causing her to drop her phone. When she identified herself as a journalist and bent down to retrieve the phone, she was struck in the head. The attacker then allegedly took the phone and fled. Her phone remains missing.
119. Also on November 30, 2024, while covering the protest, police used force against “RealPolitika” journalist Aka Zarqua. According to her account, about ten DST officers surrounded and beat her while hurling verbal abuse.
120. Photographer Giorgi Gamgebeli was also physically assaulted on November 30, 2024. He was taken to a clinic. His photography equipment was seized and destroyed.
121. On the same day, DST officers attacked “Formula” TV journalist Nutsa Bakhutashvili and her cameraman Irakli Bartava. The journalist sustained a concussion.
122. Additionally, “First Channel” cameraman Davit Bezhanishvili was injured during the protest. According to “Formula,” he was targeted by DST officers.
123. On November 30, 2024, a DST officer pushed Fyodor Khudokormov, a photographer for “Paper Kartuli,” while he was filming scenes of protesters being harassed.
124. On November 29, 2024, journalist Guram Rogava from “Formula” TV was seriously injured. While broadcasting live, he was attacked by an unidentified individual, allegedly a DST officer. The journalist sustained serious injuries to the head and neck. Earlier that same day, both Rogava and his cameraman were obstructed in their work. Live footage showed police officers forcibly removing the journalist from the scene while covering the camera and preventing the cameraman from filming.
125. Also on November 29, 2024, during the protest, “Formula” journalist Giorgi Kvizhinadze and cameraman Tedo Kvachakhia were injured. Journalist Khatia Samkharadze was also sprayed with pepper spray.
126. On the same day, November 29, 2024, equipment belonging to “Formula” TV’s crew covering a protest in Batumi was damaged. Journalist Tamar Tediashvili reported the incident during a live broadcast.
127. On November 29, 2024, “Publika” journalist Aleksandre Keshelashvili was detained by law enforcement while carrying out his professional duties. His camera was confiscated and he was beaten. He was later released after signing a statement and was taken to a medical facility for examination.
128. Also on November 29, 2024, police obstructed “Publika” journalist Natia Amiranishvili during filming and attempted to smash her phone.
129. That same day, “Publika” photojournalist Mindia Gabadze was injured.
130. On November 29, 2024, Giorgi Chumburidze, a cameraman for Radio Liberty’s Russian-language channel, Current Time, was obstructed in his professional work.
131. On the same day, “Publika” journalist Basti Mgaloblishvili was repeatedly obstructed while working. According to the outlet, he was struck multiple times.
132. “TV Pirveli” reported that on November 29, 2024, its cameraman Niko Kokaia was deliberately sprayed in the face with pepper spray by riot police.
133. Also on November 29, 2024, “TV Pirveli” cameraman Giorgi Shesiruli was physically assaulted by a member of the riot police. According to a journalist working with him, the officer approached from behind and struck him.
134. During the same protest, “TV Pirveli” journalist Nanuka Kajaya and cameraman Davit Bichikashvili were injured after riot police blasted them and their interviewee with a high-pressure water cannon during a live broadcast. The cameraman required medical assistance.
135. “TV Pirveli” journalist Ana Mdivani had an unknown substance sprayed into her face on November 29, 2024. She required medical attention.
136. “Mtavari Arkhi” journalist Dea Mamiseishvili and cameraman Giorgi Goginashvili felt unwell due to tear gas used during the protest.
137. “Mtavari Arkhi” journalist Keta Tsitskishvili was verbally insulted and obstructed by police while working. Her colleagues, journalist Davit Kobidze and cameraman Luka Bachilava, were also impeded in their professional duties.
138. According to Radio Liberty, journalists Davit Khoridze and Salome Chaduneli were physically assaulted during the protest.
139. Radio Liberty cameramen Ilia Ratiani and Zuka Khidasheli were obstructed in their work.
140. Early on November 29, 2024, during the dispersal of the remaining demonstrators, a riot officer punched Radio Liberty journalist Davit Tsagareli in the stomach and kicked him after throwing him to the ground.
141. While covering the protest, “Adjara TV” journalist Nino Lortchoshvili became unwell and lost consciousness. The channel reported it was likely due to exposure to pepper spray used by riot police.
142. Police sprayed pepper spray into the face of “Netgazeti” journalist Givi Avaliani.
143. Mariami Nikuradze, founder, journalist, and photographer for OC Media, was hit by a water cannon. She fell, and her camera was damaged. Nikuradze required medical treatment and later wrote on social media that law enforcement officers were preventing her from working.
144. Yulia Kalaban, a reporter for JAMnews, was pushed and kicked in the leg by a law enforcement officer as she tried to film riot police dismantling barricades on Rustaveli Avenue.
145. “Studio Monitor” journalists Nino Tsvrava and Nino Shubitidze, along with cameraman Giorgi Baramidze, were obstructed in their coverage of the protest. Journalist Nino Tsvrava later published a video on the social platform X showing excessive use of force by police.
146. On November 29, 2024, riot police physically assaulted Giorgi Gogua, editor of “Project 64,” kicking him in the legs.
147. On the same day, a journalist from “Rustavi 2” was injured by a water cannon.
148. Also on November 29, 2024, a riot police officer kicked “Expressnews” journalist Irakli Managadze.
149. “Tbel Abuseridze,” a photographer from the media outlet “April,” was also injured on November 29, 2024—reportedly after an unknown substance was sprayed into his eyes.
150. On November 29, 2024, “TOK TV” journalist Philipe Tsereteli was injured by a gas canister. The journalist stated that tear gas grenades were fired deliberately.
151. During the November 29, 2024 protest, “First Channel” live broadcast cameraman Davit Bezhanishvili was injured.