The Officers of Old Tbilisi Police Division under Tbilisi Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as a result of investigative and search activities detained three persons – previously convicted M.D. (DoB 1982), Z.Ch. (DoB 1983) and also previously convicted in past - Z.M., (DoB 1979) in Tbilisi for violence and threat of violence against media representatives as well as for illegal interference in their professional activities during the manifestation which took place on Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi.

The investigation established that during the protest rally the mentioned persons illegally interfered in journalistic activities under the violence or threat of violence and physically assaulted the representatives of “Rustavi2” and “Mtavari Arkhi” TV companies as well as “Tabula” and “NewPosts” agencies in various locations during the protest rally held against “Tbilisi Pride”.

Investigation is in progress under Articles 154, II part and 126, I part envisaged by the Criminal Code of Georgia.

In order to identify persons involved in violent actions and other illegal activities, investigative procedures are in progress at the moment. According to the recent information, 25 representatives of various media outlets have already been questioned. Video footages depicting incidents are being examined at the moment and intensive investigative activities are underway to identify and detain other involved individuals.