The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia has opened an investigation into allegations of illegal interference with the professional activities of journalists during recent protests in Tbilisi.
According to the statement, the agency confirmed that the case is being pursued under Part 1 of Article 154 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which pertains to unlawful obstruction of journalistic work.
As of the Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation was initiated based on media reports. The reports alleged that on October 4, during demonstrations on Atoneli Street and nearby areas, protesters interfered with the crews of the Public Broadcaster and Imedi TV. Journalists were reportedly subjected to pepper spray and physical obstruction while attempting to carry out their duties.
“The Prosecutor's Office of Georgia has launched an investigation into the facts of illegal interference with the professional activities of journalists… Participants of a protest rally illegally interfered with the journalistic activities of the Public Broadcaster and Imedi TV crews by spraying pepper spray and physically obstructing them,” the statement reads.
The Prosecutor’s Office also released video footage documenting the reported incidents.
