Georgian Parliament Speaker: EU-funded individual's attack on journalist shows dangers of irresponsible funding

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Friday condemned what he described as an assault on a journalist by an EU-funded individual during a Europe Day event, highlighting concerns over foreign donor responsibility.

In his remarks, Papuashvili drew attention to what he described as the irony of the situation - that a person financed by the European Union assaulted a journalist at an EU-hosted celebration of Europe Day.

“The fact that a person funded by the EU assaults a journalist at an event organised by the EU itself clearly shows how far irresponsible donor behaviour can take us”, Papuashvili said.

A celebration of Europe Day turned into a scene of confrontation, as members of the media became targets of verbal attacks and obstruction.

Imedi TV reported being deliberately hindered while carrying out their professional duties.

According to eyewitness accounts, the incident unfolded while an Imedi journalist was conducting an interview.