After the death of a journalist: Protests against the Georgian government

Last Monday, more than 50 journalists were attacked by an anti-gay mob in Tbilisi. A cameraman who was seriously injured in the process later died. Now thousands have called for the government to resign.

Thousands of people in Georgia have called for the government to resign after the death of a cameraman seriously injured during protests by anti-gay demonstrators. In the evening, around 8,000 demonstrators gathered in front of the parliament building in Tbilisi.

“We demand the immediate resignation of Irakli Garibashvili and his government, who led the violence against journalists,” said opposition leader Nika Melia at the rally.

Cameraman found dead in his bed

The 37-year-old cameraman Alexander Laschkarawa, who worked for the independent broadcaster TV Pirweli, was found dead in his bed that morning. He was beaten last Monday by counter-demonstrators who protested against a march by the so-called LGBTQ movement. Laschkarawa suffered fractures of the bones in his face. The Interior Ministry announced an investigation into the 37-year-old’s death. Four suspects were arrested for the attack.

More than 50 journalists were physically attacked by the counter-demonstrators on Monday. According to the organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF), they suffered broken bones, concussions and chemical burns. RSF accused the Georgian authorities of not taking action against the attacks and therefore complicit in the injuries.

“The government is part of this violence”

Representatives of independent Georgian media accused the government of Prime Minister Garibashvili of inciting violence against journalists and even organizing such acts of violence themselves. “The government not only encourages violence against journalists, it is part of that violence,” said Nodar Meladze, editor-in-chief at TV Pirweli. The government assembled violent groups who physically attacked independent media. Police officers have also repeatedly attacked journalists.

Last Monday, the organizers of a so-called “Pride” parade in the capital Tbilisi canceled the parade after the violent attacks on journalists and LGBTQ activists. Several hundred opponents of the parade had gathered near the parliament of the Caucasian republic. During the “Pride” parades around the globe, demonstrations are taking place for the rights of sexual minorities. The English abbreviation LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer.