Tbilisi court denies bail to three attackers on journalist Vakho Sanaia
The defence demanded their release on bail, while the prosecution requested their detention. Photo: IPN
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Tbilisi City Court has denied bail to three attackers of Formula TV journalist Vakho Sanaia.
Suliko Sakevarashvili, Giorgi Sakhelashvili and Vazha Gigauri were detained after attacking Sanaia late on February 24.
The three individuals were under the influence of alcohol when they attacked the journalist, who sustained multiple injuries on his body.
The crime is punishable by three years in prison.
“It was a direct aggression against me as a representative of media & result of aggressive rhetoric [of the Government]”, #Sanaia said
— Formula NEWS | English (@FormulaGe) February 25, 2021
The attackers made clear they were angered by Sanaia's journalistic work. Sanaia was accompanied by family members and his minor son pic.twitter.com/hhXi4WA7aa
Meanwhile, Sanaia, who previously worked for TV Pirveli channel and moved to Formula TV last year, said the attack was the result of a ‘negative campaign against critical TV channels.’
Georgian and foreign officials have condemned the attack.