Imedi TV journalist summoned for questioning as aggressive protesters obstruct work of media representatives at rally against transparency bill
Anuki Chkhikvadze
Photo: Imedi TV
Imedi TV journalist Anuki Chkhikvadze on Thursday was summoned for questioning by the Georgian Special Investigation Service after facing obstruction and verbal abuse while covering the protest rally against the transparency bill outside the Government Administration building in Tbilisi.
The protesters prevented Chkhikvadze from working, with some individuals directing insults and whistles at her and impeding her professional activities.
The representatives of the radical opposition at the rally did not only condemn these actions of the demonstrators, but also encouraged it.
The incident involving Chkhikvadze is part of a broader pattern of aggression towards Imedi TV journalists covering the protest against the transparency bill.
Previously, Imedi TV journalist Giorgi Abazadze was questioned by the investigative service after being attacked at a rally outside the Parliament on Tuesday.
Both Chhikvadze and Abazadze encountered hostility from rally participants while attempting to fulfil their journalistic duties, raising concerns about press freedom and safety.
It should be noted that organisers of the rally have not distanced themselves from the violence. The NGO sector also keeps silent over the matter.
Imedi TV on Thursday released a statement denouncing the escalating violence against journalists at the protest rally against the transparency bill in Tbilisi and the aggressive behaviour of radical groups.
Imedi TV on Tuesday addressed the diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia and human rights NGOs on the matter, but “unfortunately, there was no response from them”.
Domestic non-governmental organisations and opposition parties are holding a protest rally against the bill on transparency of foreign influence submitted by the parliamentary majority last week, aiming to shed light on external influences on domestic affairs and to enhance transparency in political and civil society activities.
The bill on the transparency of foreign influence aims to ensure that NGOs disclose their annual financial reports, with penalties limited to financial sanctions for non-compliance.
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