Public Defender Nino Lomjaria terms the assault on journalist Vakho Sanaia as extremely concerning and believes that the state response to this type of actions should be strict.

According to Vakho Sanaia, the attackers insulted and physically assaulted him and the person accompanying him due to his journalistic activities.

"The profession and independence of journalists are the most important indicators of democracy in a country. There should be a free possibility for dissemination of information in the country, regardless of its content. If a journalist is attacked for his/her activities, this criminal act requires an adequate and strict response in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Criminal Code of Georgia prohibits both interference with journalistic activities and persecution of a person for his/her speech, opinion, public or professional activity. Committing a crime against a person because of his/her views is a general aggravating circumstance of an offence.

The Public Defender calls on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to carry out an effective investigation, consider the identification of the specific composition and ensure adequate punishment of perpetrators.