French photographer Francis Primerski, who has lived in Georgia for years, shared on social media that his residence permit has been revoked. The photographer frequently covered the protest rallies taking place on Rustaveli Avenue.

“Today, this decision is painful for me because it is not just an administrative matter. It concerns the connection I have built with this country. And yet, I regret nothing. I have always acted in accordance with my values—freedom, dignity, and justice. I will defend these values to the end. I will not remain idle. I will begin a legal battle. I will go all the way, to Strasbourg if necessary, because this bond cannot be erased by a single decision; you don’t leave such a country so easily, you fight for it. Georgia is a part of me, no matter what happens, and I will not give up,” Primerski wrote.

The document published by Primerski, issued by the Ministry of Justice of Georgia, shows that he had been granted a residence permit valid until 2027.

Since the start of the pro-European protests, numerous instances of obstruction involving foreign journalists have been recorded in Georgia. These cases mostly involve bans on entering the country. CMIS provides detailed documentation of these occurrences as well.