Georgian Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri left the parliament as his address on July 5-6 events was postponed due to the opposition protest.
Parliament Speaker Kakha Kuchava said some political groups did not want to hold today’s session and ask questions over the recent developments.
“What we saw today was purposefully organized to disrupt the session. Sadly, I heard from politicians during a break openly said they aimed to disarray the session,” Speaker said.
The tension mounted as the opposition members took the podium when Minister was offering condolences to the late cameraman’s family. They held the pictures of the late cameraman and PM to demand his resignation.
Shocking footage from @Geoparliament. Opposition MPs unfurled protest posters (demanding resignation of @GharibashviliGe) before MIA minister Gomelauri’s speech. @GeorgianDream41 authorities physically dragged opposition MPs (particularly women) from Gomelauri’s tribune. #Shame pic.twitter.com/wIUtSBr0Qs
— Shame Movement (@Shamemovement) July 18, 2021
On top of that, media representatives hung a banner from the balcony of the plenary session hall with the caption “Take Political Responsibility.”
Fifty-three journalists were injured during July 5-6 violence, one of whom passed away on July 11.
TV Pirveli cameraman Lekso Lashkarava, 36, died six days later after being severely beaten by a far-right mob during the anti-Tbilisi Pride rally on July 5.
Civil activists and media representatives demand the resignation of the Georgian Prime Minister and Interior Minister over the violence against media and Lashkarava’s death.
