Georgia: 54 media workers, including 14 women journalists, attacked by far-right anti-LGBTQ group. CFWIJ registers its protest and demands investigation.

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July 7, 2021, Tbilisi - 54 media workers were physically assaulted by a far-right anti-LGBTQ group in the Georgian capital. The news crew belonged to 16 different media companies and at least 14 women journalists were among those attacked. The event serves as an alarming reminder of the politics of hate that is fast becoming popular around the world where democratic principles are constantly under attack. Not only was this a vicious assault on the principles of free press but also an indication of the severe dangers that sexual minorities face in the country. 

A homophobic mob protesting against the “March of Dignity” organized by LGBTQ activists in the country, assaulted media workers, including journalists, reporters and camera crew in a grotesque display of violence on Monday morning. Several victims had to be rushed for urgent medical care and required surgeries. The mob also attacked the media equipment carried by those on sight, and several news persons were unable to recover the data of their coverage. The attack took place in front of law enforcement agencies who refused to intervene, thus encouraging the violence. Reportedly, members of clergy were also present on site, egging on the mobs. This level of animosity against Tbilisi pride is reflected in, and perhaps even inspired from, the state that immediately blamed the LGBTQ community for the incident before a comprehensive investigation could even be carried out, setting an alarming precedent for any similar incident in the future. 

Following are the women journalists who were targeted:

  1. Dea Mamiseishvili, correspondent, TV channel Mtavari Arkhi 

  2. Ilia Tyaliashvilli, camera operator, public broadcaster’s First Channel 

  3. Keta Tsitskishvili, correspondent, TV channel Mtavari Arkhi

  4. Mariam Kumsishvili, correspondent, TV channel Rustavi-2

  5. Marika Gotsiridze, correspondent, TV channel Rustavi-2

  6. Miranda Bagaturia, correspondent, TV channel Pirveli 

  7. Natia Koberidze, freelance journalist 

  8. Natia Kokosadze, correspondent, TV channel Mtavari Arkhi

  9. Nino Gazdeliani, correspondent, TV channel Mtavari Arkhi 

  10. Nino Vardzelashvili, correspondent, TV channel Formula 

  11. Salome Bokuchava, correspondent, TV channel Rustavi-2

  12. Tamta Kakhaberidze, correspondent, On.ge 

  13. Tamuna Chkareuli, correspondent, Radio Liberty

  14. Tiko Susareishvili, journalist, Adjara Public Broadcaster 

(Courtesy: Justice for Journalists Foundation)

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is extremely alarmed at the situation, and condemns the state actions that allow hate groups like these to act with impunity. It is of utmost importance that a thorough investigation is conducted and the perpetrators are brought to justice in order to protect civil liberties in the country. CFWIJ stands in solidarity with the media workers who were forced to confront this heinous incidence of violence as well as the LGBTQ community in Georgia that must be feeling immensely vulnerable at this moment.