Int’l community sends condolences over death of TV Pirveli cameraman
People protesting the death of TV Pirveli cameraman Lekso Lashkarava in front of the parliament. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
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Foreign embassies in Georgia and international organisations have sent condolences to the Georgian public following the death of TV Pirveli cameraman Lekso Lashkarava, who was beaten up by Tbilisi Pride counter demonstrators on July 5.
The United States Embassy in Georgia extended its condolences to the family of TV Pirveli cameraman Lekso Lashkarava and called for ‘calm and an end to the violence that has already caused one tragic loss of life.’
His bravery as he defended his colleague and his commitment to the fundamental freedoms long cherished in this country represent the best qualities and traditions of the people of Georgia,” the US embassy to Georgia said.
We call for calm and an end to the violence that has already caused one tragic loss of life. https://t.co/EeNFr46ZoY
— U.S. Embassy Tbilisi (@usingeo) July 11, 2021
The Embassy of Sweden in Georgia also responded to the passing of the TV Pirveli cameraman and offered its ‘deepest condolences to TV Pirveli journalist’s Aleksandre Lashkarava's family, friends and colleagues.’
???????? fully supports statement by @CarlHartzellEU. We offer deepest condolences to @TvPirveli journalist’s Aleksandre Lashkarava's family, Friends & colleagues. ???????? condemns any kind of violence. Media freedom & safety of journalists are democratic values that must be protected. pic.twitter.com/MdelK87rqg
— Sweden in Georgia (@SwedeninGE) July 11, 2021
EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell reiterated ‘the EU’s strong condemnation of all violence and unwavering support to the freedom of media and assembly.’
ჩემი დღევანდელი კომენტარი, ტელეკომპანია პირველის ოპერატორის, ბ-ნ ლექსო ლაშქარავას ტრაგიკული გარდაცვალების შესახებ ინფორმაციის მიღების შემდეგ:
— Carl Hartzell (@CarlHartzellEU) July 11, 2021
My comments today upon learning about the tragic death of Pirveli TV cameraman Lekso Lashkarava: pic.twitter.com/bFWrNKxccE
The Dutch Ambassador to Georgia Maaike van Koldam fully supported Carl Hartzell’s statement and condemned ‘any kind of violence, including against journalists and violence inspired by homophobia.’
My full support to this statement. I am shocked by the death of cameraman Lekso Lashkarava who was attacked on 5th July during the planned Pride events. My condolences to his family. I condemn any kind of violence, incl against journalists and violence inspired by homophobia. https://t.co/hLkJgIpk2h
— Maaike van Koldam (@MaaikevanKoldam) July 11, 2021
The United Nations in Georgia also expressed its condolences to the family and friends of Lekso Lashkarava and underlined that ‘media freedom and safety of journalists must be protected in Georgia.’
????????Our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Aleksandre Lashkarava, cameraman for @TvPirveli who passed away on 11 July. Media freedom and safety of journalists must be protected in Georgia.
— UN in Georgia (@ungeorgia) July 11, 2021
French Ambassador to Georgia Diego Colas also tweeted on ongoing events in Georgia and expressed his full agreement with Carl Hartzell’s statement.
Am heartbroken to learn the death of journalist Lekso Lashkarava, severely injured Monday fulfilling his mission to inform during the homophobic violence on 7/5. My condoleances to his family+ colleagues. Freedom of assembly+ press, fight vs discrimination+ hate, no to violence
— Diégo Colas (@ColasDiego) July 11, 2021
Expressing his deepest condolences, the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar noted that such violence against the media has no place in a democratic society.
This is a tragic story. Such violence in general and against free media in particular has no place in a democratic society. Important that there is a thorough investigation. My deepest condolences. https://t.co/lwo3k2oR5S
— Toivo Klaar (@ToivoKlaar) July 11, 2021
Following the death of TV Pirveli cameraman Lekso Lashkarava, an investigation has been launched under Article 115 of the Criminal Code of Georgia – incitement to suicide.