U.S. Condemns Police Brutality Against Journalists in Georgian Protests

December 4, 2024 – USA –

The U.S. State Department sharply criticized Georgian authorities for their oppressive response to escalating pro-EU protests, including physical assaults and arrests targeting journalists. Spokesperson Vedant Patel declared that the “excessive use of force” against demonstrators—and the “assaults and arrests of journalists”—posed serious concerns for press freedom and press safety.

The unrest began after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement on November 28, suspending Georgia’s European Union accession negotiations until 2028. Widespread demonstrations quickly followed, met with heavy-handed tactics. Riot police and unidentified masked forces disrupted rallies using water cannons, tear gas, and violent crowd control methods. Video footage revealed targeted attacks on media personnel, including broken cameras and physical beatings.

By early December, reports confirmed dozens of journalists had been hit, detained, or obstructed while performing their duties. Georgia Monitor and CPJ data suggested that much more than isolated incidents, the pattern showed a systematic intent to intimidate, control, or exclude media coverage of public dissent.

Responding to international alarm, Patel urged all sides to keep protests peaceful and called on Georgia’s government to uphold “freedom of peaceful assembly and expression,” reinforcing the belief that a free press is foundational to democracy. The statement also emphasized the need for Georgia to adhere to the “rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms”—as pledged under the OSCE and other international frameworks

Reference – 

https://civil.ge/archives/641181