OSCE Media Freedom Representative denounces violence against journalists in Tbilisi, calls on authorities to hold perpetrators responsible

VIENNA, 6 July 2021 — OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro denounced today the mass violence against journalists reporting on protests in Georgia.

On 5 July, protesters reportedly assaulted, harassed and obstructed a high number of media workers from various media outlets, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Formula, Pirveli, First Channel, Rustavi 2, Tabula, Mtavari and others, who were covering a public gathering in Tbilisi. Many journalists had to seek medical assistance while, reportedly, at least eight of them were hospitalized. Technical equipment of some media professionals was also damaged. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, the police launched a probe after exposing facts of violence committed against 53 representatives of various media sources.

“I am shocked by yesterday’s mass attacks on journalists in Tbilisi and strongly condemn these criminal acts. Violence against journalists is an unacceptable assault on the freedom of expression and all means must be employed to prevent it from happening again in future,” Ribeiro said. “I call on the Georgian authorities to conduct a swift, effective and transparent investigation to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable.”

Ribeiro also encouraged the Georgian authorities to complete investigations into all other violent incidents and mistreatment of media workers in the country in recent years.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.