The Prosecution Service of Georgia has indicted V.B. for persecution of L.B. – the cameraman of TV Pirveli television company, – due to his journalistic activities during the demonstration against Tbilisi Pride on July 5, as well as for unlawful interference with a journalist’s professional activity on the grounds of intolerance based on other type of discrimination, and for participation in a group violence motivated by intolerance, while D.K. was charged with persecution of citizen N.Z. for their speech and beliefs on the grounds of intolerance, and with participation in group violence.

Investigation conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs has established that on July 5, 2021, during the demonstration against Tbilisi Pride, V.B. and other persons participating in an organized group violence with him, attacked L.B. – the cameraman of TV Pirveli television company, on the grounds of intolerance and aiming to interfere in journalistic activities, forcing him to cease his professional activity while abusing him verbally and physically, in order to prevent him from recording and disseminating the acts of aggression committed by them.

Furthermore, D.K, along with other individuals participating in an organized group violence, attacked N.Z., who was walking while holding a LGTBQI flag. D.K. and other person participating in the organized group violence, persecuted N.Z. by using violence and threats of violence, and physically abused them.

Law enforcement authorities arrested V.B and D.K. on July 15 and July 14, respectively. V.B was charged with the offenses under Article 154 §2 (unlawful interference with the journalist’s professional activities, committed by using violence), Article 156 §2 (a) (persecution of a person because of their professional activities) and Article 225 §2 (participation in a group violence) of the Criminal Code of Georgia. D.K. was charged with the crimes punishable under 156 §2 (a) (persecution of a person because of their professional activities) and 225 §2 (participation in a group violence) of the Criminal Code of Georgia.

Charges brought against V.B. and D.K. carry imprisonment for a term from 4 up to 6 years as a type and extent of penalty.

The Prosecution Service will file a motion with the court to apply detention as a measure of constraint within the time limit set by the law.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia continues active investigative actions to identify organizers of the group violence at the protest against Tbilisi Pride, as well as others having taken part in the violence.

For the time being, 24 individuals have been charged within the scope of investigation into the cases concerning the protests against Tbilisi Pride

As of now, 41 individuals, including 35 journalists/reporters and cameramen have been recognized as victims.