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US Embassy looking into reports of altercation between MPs, TV channel founder during Independence Day

The statement follows allegations by Vato Tsereteli, the founder of the opposition-minded TV Pirveli channel, who accused ruling Georgian Dream party lawmakers of physically assaulting him on the territory of the Embassy. Image: US Embassy facebook page.

Agenda.ge, 01 Jul 2022 - 12:27, Tbilisi,Georgia

The United States Embassy in Tbilisi on Thursday said it was looking into reports of an altercation during celebrations for the country’s Independence Day on the Embassy compound earlier during the day.

The statement follows allegations by Vato Tsereteli, the founder of the opposition-minded TV Pirveli channel, who accused ruling Georgian Dream party lawmakers of physically assaulting him on the territory of the Embassy.

Tsereteli appealed to Ambassador Kelly Degnan to make footage of the alleged incident public.

In response to the allegation, Anri Okhanashvili, a member of the ruling party, claimed a “dirtiest provocation which no Georgian can tolerate” has taken place from Tsereteli at the location, which he said was “followed by a small clash”. The MP said he hoped surveillance cameras of the compound had “recorded absolutely everything''.

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