On 4 March 2015, during the rally on the Rose Revolution Square, organized by three political parties – Reformers, Free Georgia and Christian-Democratic Movement – a photo correspondent of Interpressnews (IPN) agency, Irakli Gedenidze, was physically and verbally attacked. Irakli Gedenidze was injured and hospitalized as a result of the beating. His camera was also damaged.

According to Irakli Gedenidze, a person who came out of a car demanded from him to delete the materials he had taken. Gedenidze refused and explained that he was a journalist and was performing his professional activities. After that Gedenidze was physically assaulted.

Several hours after the incident police arrested Ivane Begiashvili for interference in professional activity of journalist and damage or destruction of an item (Part2, Article 154 and Part 1, Article 188, Criminal Code of Georgia).

As a result of this incident, Free Georgia party  expelled Giorgi Begiashvili, who, according to the chairman of the party Kakha Kukava, did not stop his son Ivane Begiashvili in time and only took part in the verbal confrontation.

Share:

Several hours after the incident police arrested Ivane Begiashvili for interference in professional activity of journalist and damage or destruction of an item (Part2, Article 154 and Part 1, Article 188, Criminal Code of Georgia).

Share:

The Media Development Foundation and the Georgian Young Lawyers' Association  responded to the fact. TV Company Maestro made a statement as well. TV company refused to cover the activity of political forces organizing protests, unless  leaders of the political forces publicly apologize to Irakli Gedenidze for the incident.

The Media Development Foundation - http://bit.ly/1WrpjXd

The Georgian Young Lawyers' Association - http://bit.ly/1nG4wDR (Available in Georgian)

Share:

On 24 February 2015, Rustavi 2 journalist Eka Kvesitadze declared that she received a call from the so called thief in law Mindia Goradze, nicknamed Lavas-Oghli, threatening her because of her report. Eka Kvesitadze published the telephone number (+372 816 520 97), from which Mindia Goradze called her.

The special issue of Different Accents TV program was dedicated to the backing of the thieves in law by the Georgian government. Mindia Goradze was mentioned in this context in the program.

Share:

According to the information from 25 February, criminal investigation was launched on the basis of Article 151 (threats), and was conducted by the Criminal Leaders Section of the Organized Crime Main Division of the MIA. According to Kvesitadze, this investigation did not bring any specific results.

Share:

On 9 June 2014, a journalist or regional broadcaster TV Channel 25, Jaba Ananidze, alleged that his investigative report titled “Highest degree of comfort” was followed by a threat from the former head of human rights commission of the Supreme Council of Adjara, Medea Vasadze. The journalist released a recorded phone conversation in which Medea Vasadze, then member of the ruling coalition, threatened the journalist and made hints about his sexual orientation. This phone conversation triggered protest among media outlets and nongovernmental sector. According to Public Defender’s report, investigation was not launched into this case because prosecutor’s office did not find in it any element of the criminal offence envisaged by the Criminal Code.

Share:

საერთაშორისო გამჭვირვალობა საქართველოს განცხადება, 9 ივნისი, 2014

მედიის განვითარების ფონდის განცხადება, 9 ივნისი, 2014

მედია ადვოკატირების კოალიციაის განცხადება, 14 ივნისი, 2014

Share: