TV channels Mtavari Arkhi, Formula, Pirveli leave Rustaveli Avenue following violence against media
The founder of Mtavari TV channel Nika Gvaramia called on all TV stations to protest the violent repression against the media, stating that there is no guarantee of protection and the life and health of people are endangered. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
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TV channels Mtavari Arkhi, Formula and Pirveli have left Rustaveli Avenue following violence against the media by right-wing groups protesting Tbilisi Pride, heads of the TV stations announced earlier today.
They released an emergency statement and condemned the violence against the media.
The government cannot ensure the safety of journalists and cameramen at the Tbilisi Pride counter rally", TV station heads said.
We call on all media outlets to protect our journalists and evacuate the place because today the lives of our journalists are not protected and it is extremely dangerous”, said the founder of TV Pirveli Vato Tsereteli.
The founder of Mtavari TV channel Nika Gvaramia also called on all TV stations to protest the violent repression against the media, stating that there is no guarantee of protection and the life and health of people are endangered.
The Georgian government does not or cannot fulfil its obligation to protect citizens from criminals who threaten to endanger human life and health, including the loss of life. Our journalists have received significant injuries”, Gvaramia said.
General director of Formula TV Zuka Gumberidze also called on the government of Georgia to ensure the safety of the media.
Today we are observing a very dangerous process that will not bring anything good to this country. Unfortunately, in this situation, the government actually gave the green light to violence. Their irresponsible statements are encouraging”, Gumberidze said.
Right-wing protesters of the Tbilisi Pride march verbally and physically assaulted media representatives. Dozens of journalists and cameramen were injured.
Police are investigating attacks on journalists and the obstruction of their ability to perform their professional duties.