Foreign state officials, diplomats, media rights groups react to July 5 violence in Tbilisi

Formula channel journalist Rati Tsverava is attacked by demonstrators against Tbilisi Pride march. Over 50 journalists were reported to have been left with injuries during the day. Photo via InterPressNews agency.

Agenda.ge, 06 Jul 2021 - 16:11, Tbilisi,Georgia

State officials, current and former diplomats and media rights organisations have been reacting to the developments in Tbilisi on Monday, where a right-wing demonstration against a planned Tbilisi Pride march for queer rights attacked reporters gathered to cover the eventually cancelled event before also storming offices of Pride organisers.

The violent scenes in the capital city drew responses from European MPs, United States Department of State spokesperson, Amnesty International Secretary General, Reporters Without Borders and more, with condemnations for the attacks that left around 50 journalists injured.

US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price stressed the obligations of Georgian state officials and law enforcement to protect rights of assembly and expression, and called on relevant agencies to prosecute violent offenders.