Six Journalists Attacked, Robbed While Covering Protests in Georgia

September 09, 2025 – Georgia –

At least six journalists were assaulted or robbed while reporting on anti-government protests in Tbilisi in early September, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports. The attacks occurred outside the Tbilisi campaign office of the Georgian Dream party.

Among those harmed was Hungarian journalist László Róbert Mézes, who says he was beaten and had his phone stolen even though he was clearly marked as “Press.” He reported sustaining a broken finger and facial injuries.

Journalists from outlets including Publika.ge, OC Media, and Netgazeti were also targeted. Keto Mikadze and Aleksandre Keshelashvili had their phones seized; Mariam Nikuradze was doused with water; and Netgatezi reporter Ketevan Khutsishvili alleges she was dragged and shoved by individuals, including a police officer, after filming men leaving the campaign office.

On September 3, Publika editor-in-chief Lika Zakashvili was spat on and had her phone struck while filming, according to CPJ.

Georgian authorities have been criticized for failing to prevent or properly investigate such attacks. Gulnoza Said, CPJ’s Europe and Central Asia program coordinator, voiced concern that these incidents, many involving masked individuals and supporters of the ruling party, are part of a broader pattern of violence and impunity.

Speaker of Parliament Shalva Papuashvili attributed the violence to “extremists” allegedly supported by the EU, accusing “foreign-funded” media of orchestrating the events.

References –

https://cpj.org/2025/09/in-georgia-6-journalists-attacked-robbed-while-covering-protests/