In Georgia, unknown individuals have attacked journalists from the TV Pirveli television company
On December 7, journalists Maka Chikhladze and cameraman Giorgi Shetsiruli from TV Pirveli were attacked, and members of the opposition “Coalition for Change” political alliance were assaulted when unknown individuals stormed their office, beating two members, Koba Khabazi and Dato Petridisi.
The attacks occurred around 10:00 PM on December 7, during a protest on Rustaveli Avenue.
TV Pirveli’s live broadcast showed how the assailants attacked the crew, who had arrived at Besiki Street to gather information. The footage showed Maka Chikhladze being attacked from behind and thrown to the ground. The perpetrators stole the camera from the cameraman and the microphone from the journalist. The items were not returned to the media representatives.
Eyewitnesses reported that the nearby patrol police did not respond to the violent assault.
After the attack on the journalists, masked individuals broke into the “Coalition for Change” office. At least 20 assailants beat two coalition members in the hallway.
The Special Investigation Service announced that an investigation into the attack has been launched, but hours after the assault, no police or SIS officers were seen at the crime scene.