Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia charges seven individuals for obstructing journalists during October 4 protest in Tbilisi

The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia on Thursday charged seven individuals with obstructing journalists in the course of their professional activities during the protest held on October 4.

As the statement reports, the investigation into the case has established that on October 4, during a protest rally held on Atoneli Street and the surrounding area in the capital city of Tbilisi, the defendants illegally obstructed the professional activities of the filming crews of the Public Broadcaster, Imedi TV, and Rustavi 2 by spraying pepper spray, using physical interference, and threatening violence.

Six of the defendants have been charged under Article 154, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of Georgia (illegal interference with a journalist’s professional activities), which carries a penalty of a fine, community service, up to two years of corrective labor, or up to two years of house arrest.

One of the defendant has been charged under Article 154, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Georgia (illegal interference with a journalist’s professional activities, that is, coercing them to disseminate or refrain from disseminating information, committed with a threat of violence), which is punishable by a fine or up to two years of imprisonment, and may also include (or not include) deprivation of the right to hold a position or engage in an activity for up to three years.

The Prosecutor’s Office will file a motion with the Tbilisi City Court within the legally prescribed time frame requesting the imposition of preventive measures against the defendants.

The investigation is ongoing to identify other individuals involved in the crime, according to the information released by the Prosecutor’s Office.

On October 4, large-scale protests in Tbilisi escalated into a dramatic confrontation, as a group of radical demonstrators tried to storm the presidential palace. The unrest occurred on the same day Georgia held municipal elections.

Authorities detained at least five opposition figures, including Paata Burchuladze. They are now facing charges of plotting to overthrow the government - a potential offense that could carry lengthy prison sentences.

Government officials described the events as a failed coup attempt orchestrated with foreign backing. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze called the protests “an attempted overthrow of the constitutional order”.