Public Defender of Georgia Responds to Recent Offences against Journalists
The Public Defender of Georgia is echoing the recent developments around the Rustavi 2 broadcasting company and the alleged attack on the reporters of the Obiektivi media-union.
According to the reports, on March 19, 2018, members of the Georgian March public movement did not allow a journalist and a lawyer of Rustavi 2 TV to freely move during the demonstration outside the building. According to the demonstrators, they were protesting against the comment made by Post Scriptum host Giorgi Gabunia on air.[1] Besides, members of the Georgian March physically assaulted Rustavi 2 correspondent Davit Eradze, who told the Public Defender's representatives that he was attacked while performing his professional duties.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, during the rally, police arrested 6 activists of the Georgian March under the administrative procedure. (Representatives of the Public Defender visited the detainees). An investigation was launched under Article 126 of the Criminal Code (violence) into the attack on the journalist and under Article 187 of the Criminal Code (damage or destruction of property) into the fact of damaging the car belonging to the Rustavi 2 employee.
Later it was reported that the Ministry of Internal Affairs detained 5 more members of the Georgian March under subparagraph "a" of paragraph 2 of Article 239 of the Criminal Code of Georgia (hooliganism by a group with the preliminary agreement). Other offenders are being identified at this stage.
The Public Defender welcomes the timely reaction of the law enforcement agency to the case. An immediate legal response to the offense is important to eliminate the sense of impunity and prevent similar cases in future.
It should be noted that the opinion expressed by journalist Giorgi Gabunia is fully protected by freedom of expression. At the same time, the Public Defender expresses hope that the investigation will relevantly assess all the offences committed within a reasonable time. In this context, Articles 154 and 156 of the Criminal Code of Georgia should be taken into consideration.
The media also reported that a journalist and a cameraman of the Obiektivi TV Company were physically abused on March 20, 2018. An investigation into the case is in progress under Article 126 of the Criminal Code (violence) against both parties involved in the incident. The Public Defender will observe the investigation.
[1] "I think Jesus Christ made a big mistake when he decided to preach in Israel 2000 years ago. He should have come to Adjara in about 2-3 years’ time and he would not be crucified as there would be no tree in the region. By that time, all the trees will have been transplanted to Bidzina’s yard. So Jesus would live a long and peaceful life in treeless Adjara. The main thing would be not to cross Bidzina’s path or start preaching in his yard, or he would end up the same way as he did 2000 years ago, or even worse. "
