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Beaten and Injured Journalists Threaten with Hunger-strike

June 30, 2006

Beaten and Injured Journalists Threaten with Hunger-strike


Yesterday, the journalists, who had been raided and abused in July 15th by the order of MP Nugzar Abulashvili, held a protest in the village Anaga. NGO representatives and common people also joined the protest. Throughout the demonstration it became quite evident that journalists’ raid was planned not only on the commission from the MP but the local authority simultaneously. The eyewitness is ready to co-operate with the investigation group but asks for the guaranteed safety.

Protesters refused to fulfill their professional duties – that is how they expressed their protest. “We are demanding the investigation to become more active, as well as all the raiders, eyewitness policemen and the crime organizers be answered for their crimes and punished strictly” – stated the journalists gathering in front of the regional Prosecutor’s Office, trying to distribute their inquiries to the public in written form.

Khatuna Gulisashvili, the correspondent of TV Company “Mze”, announced to the “Human Rights Center” that they are concerned about prosecutor’s inactiveness. “We have to mention that all the participants in raid against journalists must be arrested and punished strictly, otherwise they will commit more serious crimes. We categorically demand implementation of our demands immediately. In case of ignorance of our request we will be forced to take more serious steps” – underlined Khatuna Gulisahvili.

If their demands are not fulfilled, injured journalists intend to appeal to the International Organizations for the support and help. “We have given definite and detailed examination to the investigation but all in vain. If they do not consider our demands, we are going to appeal to the International Organizations in a few days time” – announced Zviad Ruadze, the journalist of newspaper ‘24 Hours’.

Roman Kevkhishvili, the journalist of TV Company ‘Tanamgzavri’ (‘Satellite’) declares that if the case is not investigated carefully and timely he and his colleagues will go on hunger-strike in front of the Parliament building. “The Chairperson of Parliament made an announcement only the day of incident, this is not sufficient. Everybody knows that the raid organizer is the MP Nugzar Abulashvili, he has to give explanations to the Parliament. However, the investigation process has been slowed down. The policemen Iago Kochlamazashvili, Besik Pkhovelishvili, Gia Siprashvili and others have not still been detained as well as the raiders Vano Vardiashvili, Jemal Demetrashvili and others are not given a charge. So, do not we have a right to argue about this? “– says the journalist who had been seriously injured, his operator beaten up; in addition, his video camera damaged.

NGO representatives and common people joined the demonstration. They condemned the fact of vandalism committed in June 15 and demanded to bring him to trial. “This person is ruthless and merciless towards people going against him. Without his order the heads of the office are not allowed to take into service even an office-cleaner. We claim his dismissal from Parliament’ – told us Lia Khatiashvili from Signagi district and others gave a sign of their consent.

What makes things worse is the fact that Abulashvili did not even make a single telephone comment. However, Signagi Nationalists Movement Party secretary gave the way to her temper by aggressive, rude and offensive behaviour. “I wondered who the demonstration organizers were as well as the media representatives, this is the reason I am filming this demonstration. Can you see any problem regarding it? I was not commissioned to come here, either I am not shooting other demonstrations, however, I feel like doing this. If you do not leave me alone, I will accuse you to hindering me while doing my job” – said Nationalist Pikria Jokharidze.

A bit later, Davit Kochlamazashvili, the prosecutor of Signagi district met with journalists: “Investigation is being underway on the case of hooliganism. At present four persons are detained, one is fined. The criminal case is transferred to the Tbilisi Court of Appeal. As for Nugzar Abulashvil, if we get sufficient evidences, we will be able to take all the necessary measures in accordance with law” - announced the prosecutor.

As we were informed, Berdo Asanishvili, the Head of Signagi Administration and his first deputy Zaza Zedelashvili had been delivered information about journalists’ raid a day before. “Deputy Head of Administration, Zaza Zedelashvili was telling the head of Administration just a day before the raid that journalists would not shoot the fact of delivering coffin in front of the Nationalists Office. We have already become masters of journalists dissolve. I personally heard this and I commented on their statement but my remark was ignored.” – told us the civilian who refused to reveal his identity, however, he agrees to co-operate with investigation.


The demonstration was observed by many law-enforcers. Gela Mtivlishvili, a journalist of Human Rights Information and Documentation Center (HRIDC) participated in the demonstration as well.

Gela Mtivlishvili from Kakheti

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