The Prosecutor’s Office has brought charges against seven individuals for obstructing journalists in the course of their professional duties during the October 4 protest.

According to the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia, the investigation into the case established that on October 4, 2025, during a protest held on Atoneli Street and the surrounding area in Tbilisi, the accused, identified as I.Ts, G.D., M.O., T.K., I.P., A.Ts., and V.G., unlawfully obstructed camera crews from the Georgian Public Broadcaster, Imedi TV and Rustavi 2 TV in their professional activities by spraying pepper spray, physical interference, and threats of violence.

“Six of the accused have been charged under Article 154, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of Georgia (unlawful obstruction of a journalist in their professional activities, namely coercing them to disseminate information or to refrain from broadcasting it), which provides for a penalty of a fine, community service, corrective labour for up to two years, or house arrest for up to two years.

The accused, identified as I.Ts., has been charged under Article 154, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Georgia (unlawful obstruction of a journalist in their professional activities, namely coercing them to disseminate information or to refrain from broadcasting it, committed with the threat of violence), which provides for a penalty of a fine or imprisonment for up to two years, with deprivation of the right to hold a position or engage in activities for up to three years (or without such).

The Prosecutor’s Office will submit a motion to the Tbilisi City Court within the statutory timeframe to request a restraining order against the accused.

The investigation remains ongoing to identify any other individuals involved in the crime,’ a statement released by the Prosecutor’s Office reads.