Charter Condemns Violence Against Journalists During October 4 Events in Tbilisi
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, October 6, 2025
The Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics has issued a statement condemning the violence and interference faced by journalists during the events that took place near the Presidential Palace on October 4.
According to the Charter, police used water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray to disperse crowds gathered near the area. Several journalists were injured while covering the events, and multiple media outlets reported damage or loss of professional equipment, including drones.
"The Charter of Journalistic Ethics condemns all cases of violence against journalists and tampering with equipment and calls on the Prosecutor's Office to respond promptly," the organization said in its statement.
The Charter detailed several incidents involving members of the media. TV Pirveli cameraman Niko Kokaia was injured twice and required medical attention after suffering breathing problems. Despite this, he continued filming and was later allegedly struck in the leg by a gas canister. His colleague, journalist Irakli Bakhtadze, was also targeted with a gas canister while broadcasting live but avoided serious injury thanks to his helmet.
The statement noted that Radio Liberty journalist Giorgi Diasamidze was physically and verbally assaulted by police officers, even after identifying himself as a member of the press. Documentary photographer Mariam Giunashvili told Media Checker that she suffered burns from pepper spray. "They sprayed me [with pepper spray] from three different directions, from the front right into my face and from the sides all over my body," she said.
Studio Monitor journalist Keti Tutberidze reported that two police officers tried to take her phone while she was filming them chasing citizens. She said she was beaten but managed to break free with help from colleagues.
The Charter also reported that Project 64, Netgazeti, and Makurebeli lost control of their drones on Rustaveli Avenue, while Imedi TV, Rustavi 2, and Moambe crews faced verbal abuse and damage to their equipment.
The organization said it is aware that the Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into interference with journalists from the Public Broadcaster and Imedi during the rally. It called on prosecutors to promptly begin investigating the broader cases of violence against journalists, including those allegedly committed by police officers, and to assist outlets in recovering their drones.
