Journalists protest in parliament demanding punishment of July 5 violence instigators, resignation of PM

Journalists have held a protest in Georgian parliament earlier today demanding the punishment of individuals who attacked journalists at the Tbilisi Pride counter rally on July 5 and the resignation of Prime Minister Garibashvili. 

Journalists held up a banner ‘punish offenders’ and photos of deceased TV Pirveli cameraman Lekso Lashkarava, who was brutally beaten up by right-wing protesters at the counter rally.

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Georgian Parliament Speaker Kakha Kuchava responded to the journalists’ protests and vowed that the criminals of the July 5 violent events will be punished. 

He also asked media representatives to carry out the journalistic activities ‘in the same way as before’ and called on them not to allow the disruption of the session anymore. 

Kuchava also pledged that the parliament will ‘really be’ a place where journalists have the opportunity to ask critical questions.

• Update: interior minister’s parliamentary address on July 5-6 violence postponed amid opposition protest [Video]

My request will be to get back to work, you have the right to protest, which you have implemented, but allow the session to continue in accordance with the rules and regulations,” said Kuchava to the journalists. 

Journalists held up the banner ‘punish the offenders’ on July 18 as well, when the Georgian interior minister Vakhtang Gomelauri’s hearing was scheduled in the parliament regarding violent attacks of July 5 and measures taken by the police. 

However, the hearing was disrupted due to the commotion in the parliament caused by the opposition politicians protest.