The U.S. Embassy in Georgia “strongly condemned” recent violent attacks against media representatives and Georgian citizens.

“Today, Ambassador Dunigan and her European colleagues visited the TV Pirveli film crew at Ingorokva Clinic, where the journalists undergo medical treatment. Their courage in informing the public during such troubling times underscores the critical importance of a free media in a democratic society.”

We condemn the Georgian Dream’s aggressive and unjust actions against journalists and civilians in recent days. As Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, the United States stands ready to use all available means, including sanctions, to hold accountable those responsible for violence and the creation of a coercive environment,” the embassy said in a statement.

Earlier today, ambassadors from the U.S., Latvia, Germany, and the UK visited the injured TV Pirveli crew.

On Saturday evening, masked assailants violently attacked TV Pirveli journalist Maka Chikhladze and cameraman Giorgi Shetsiruli. The footage revealed Maka being struck from behind and thrown to the ground while attempting to protect Giorgi, who was lying on the ground and being brutally beaten. A probe has been initiated under the second part of Article 154.