In Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, large-scale protests that began on November 28 after the government's decision to end negotiations with the European Union on membership until 2028 continue. Recently, these peaceful demonstrations have been overshadowed by acts of violence, with unidentified masked men attacking protesters and journalists. This was reported by the "Echo of the Caucasus" publication.
The attack on the film crew of the opposition TV channel "TV Pirveli" caused a special resonance. According to the victims, the attackers were "aunties", probably supporters of the ruling party. Cameraman Heorhiy Shetsyruli was brutally beaten, his camera was taken, and correspondent Maka Chikhladze was thrown onto the asphalt. All this happened a few tens of meters from the Georgian Parliament. The video from the scene shows how a masked man aggressively attacks the journalist, after which several other people kick the cameraman, who tries to cover himself with his hands. Duta Petridis and Koba Khabazi, members of the "Coalition for Change" organization, were also beaten.
According to Рravda.georgia, only on December 2, during the protests, about 40 victims sought medical help. The incidents cause indignation not only among the protesters, but also among the international community. Protests in Georgia began due to the government's decision to postpone negotiations on European integration until 2028. Despite this, representatives of the ruling party "Georgian Dream" state that their goal remains to join the European Union by 2030. The tension is increasing against the background of the sanctions that Ukraine has introduced against the Georgian authorities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi sharply condemned the actions of the Georgian government, including the crackdown on protests.
These events once again raise questions about the state of democracy and freedom of speech in Georgia. Attacks on journalists carrying out their professional activities are condemned by human rights organizations and raise concerns about the increase in violence in society.
