Four LGBT opponents arrested for attacks on journalists in Tbilisi

Today, a court has pronounced a pre-trial restriction measure for four men accused of using violence and obstructing the professional activities of journalists during the actions organized by opponents of the gay pride parade in Tbilisi on July 5-6.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on July 6, in Tbilisi, the police detained more than 100 people during the protest action organized by opponents of the gay pride parade. On July 8, the Prosecutor’s Office announced that eight detainees were charged with attacks on journalists.

Roman Khorava, Judge of the Tbilisi City Court, has placed under arrest four persons who were detained for attacking journalists. Before the sentencing, the Judge condemned the events of July 5, the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent reported with reference to the air broadcast of the “Formula” TV Company.

“All those events are complete ignorance, savagery, and shame. This is an assessment of what was happening there. I make a decision on behalf of Georgia. Your actions are of extreme danger, high threat, and a risk of committing a new crime. I fully agree with indictment and grant the public prosecutors’ request,” said the Judge.

The defence demanded to release the defendants on bail in the amount of 2000-5000 laris (635-1590 US dollars). An advocate of the detainees argued that his clients did not commit any illegal actions, but immediately admitted that he had not watched the footage, which showed his clients beating journalists. None of the defendants pleaded guilty.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on July 9, 2021 at 04:38 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.