Journalist Gela Mtivlishvili Claims He Was Forced Out of Precinct

Humanrights.ge 

Editor-in-chief of the Information Center of Kakheti Gela Mtivlishvili claims that he was not allowed into the Precinct # 14 in Chikaani village and then physically assaulted him.

Gela Mtivlishvili told the observer of the Human Rights Center that the commission chairperson demanded him to say what he was going to video-record and then ordered to leave the precinct and forced out of the building.

Commission chairman at the Chikaani Precinct # 14 Ivane Sepiashvili did not confirm that Gela Mtivlishvili was physically abused and expelled from the precinct. He said Mtivlishvili was video-recording voters’ lists and he was told it was not allowed; then he voluntarily left the precinct. Mtivlishvili said he was not recording the lists and he can prove it by video. 

CEC Spokesperson Eka Azarashvili responded to the Chikaani incident. She said the journalist was asked to leave the precinct after he started video-recording of the lists.

“An incident occurred in PEC 14 in Chikaani village, Kvareli DEC. Journalist Gela Mtivlishvili was video-recording the election lists. Commission members told him it was violation and asked to leave the precinct. He started complaining outside, called ambulance and police, and invited other journalists. According to our information he was not physically assaulted there,” Eka Azarashvili said.

Expert of election issues Nina Khatiskatsi said the Commission members are not allowed to expel a person from the precinct by force and physically assault him/her. 

“If the commission prohibits a journalist to video-record something and the latter does not obey the order, the Commission shall pass resolution on his dismissal and the journalist does not obey it either, a police shall be called. Commission members and chairperson are not allowed to force a person out of the precinct and moreover to physically assault anybody. If the fact is confirmed, relevant sanctions shall be imposed on the perpetrators,” Nina Khatiskatsi told ICK.