TBILISI, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 29: People gather in protest outside the parliament on November 29, 2024 in Tbilisi, Georgia. Protesters gathered outside the Georgian parliament in Tbilisi after Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced Thursday that he is suspending the South Caucus nation's bid for EU membership until the end of 2029, following a European Parliament resolution that deemed October's parliamentary elections as invalid. The country's president, Salome Zourabichvili, alleges last month's parliamentary election, which was won by the ruling Georgian Dream party, was "stolen" amid Russian interference. (Photo by Daro Sulakauri/Getty Images)
IMS condemns police brutality against media in Georgia
Police have clashed with protesters and journalists covering events in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, after the country’s ruling party said the government would suspend talks on EU accession until 2028.
IMS condemns the targeted police brutality against journalists during the violent overnight dispersal of the rally.
Multiple reports and video footage have emerged during and after the rally, which shows officers using violence against reporters during the protest, pushing them away from the protest area, obstructing their work and damaging their cameras. In several instances police are seen beating journalists and reporters.
At least 20 media workers are known to have suffered injuries, including staff from IMS partners.
IMS calls on all duty bearers to take urgent and effective measures to put an end to the ongoing violence and threats against media workers and protesters, and to respect media workers’ right to cover events as they unfold. Protesters must also be able to express their views freely.
IMS calls on the relevant authorities to launch immediate investigations into the violence.
