On February 4, near the Parliament of Georgia, police attacked citizens and physically assaulted journalists covering a protest demanding the release of Mzia Amaglobeli and other detainees, the Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) stated.

The organization believes that violence against journalists and the obstruction of their professional activities by police are exacerbated by ineffective investigations conducted by the Special Investigation Service.

“Among those attacked were media outlet Publika journalist Natia Leverashvili and NEWS.On.ge editor-in-chief Vatsent Khabeishvili, who was hospitalized for urgent examinations.

Despite the peaceful nature of the protest, held on the sidewalk without attempts to block the road, police reportedly used force and arrested two individuals. The police actions aim to suppress coverage of protests and potential human rights violations. The violence against journalists and obstruction of their professional activities by the police forces are encouraged by the ineffective investigation of the Special Investigation Service,” the GYLA stated.

Media outlet Publika’s photojournalist Natia Leverashvili states that police physically assaulted her during a protest at the Parliament. Additionally, according to News.On.ge, police attacked the outlet’s editor-in-chief, Vatsent Khabeishvili, who is now in the clinic for urgent examinations.