Georgia: CFWIJ condemns vicious attack against journalist Nini Elikashvili

June 30, 2021, Tsalka – TV Pirveli reporter Nini Elikashvili and cameraman Papuna Khachidze were verbally and physically assaulted. The TV crew was deliberately attacked at Tsalka Municipality in southern Georgia while covering the local protests. One person was arrested related to the assault. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) condemns this horrific attack against journalists. We demand a thorough investigation and accountability for the perpetrators. Journalists must do their jobs freely and safely.

 The village local of Tsintskaro protested against the family, who allegedly embezzled money using the town hall as their living space. Journalists at the scene to cover the protest were attacked by the locals. One of the family members related to the protest Giorgi Afrasidze, attempted to prevent journalists from covering the event. He physically and verbally attacked the TV crew and damaged their equipment. In the video released by TV Pirveli, the journalist Nini and the cameraman were verbally abused and their equipment was thrown to the ground.

Local elections will be held in October 2021 in Georgia. If the ruling party Georgian Dream gets less than 43 per cent of the votes in the local elections, early parliamentary elections can be held in 2022. The deal is part of ongoing negotiations with the EU to end Georgia's current political crisis.

 The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns this vicious attack against journalists. We demand the Georgian authorities to ensure that journalists can follow the upcoming local elections across the country freely and safely.