Maka Chikhladze

Affiliated media: TV Pirveli, Journalist

Incident date: December 7, 2024

Attack type:

• Non-fatal attack / beating / injury / torture

Who attacked: Non-authorities

Source: Center for Media, Information and Social Research

Location: Georgia, Tbilisi

Additional information:

Unidentified masked individuals, reportedly affiliated with the government, attacked TV Pirveli crew - journalist Maka Chikhladze and cameraman Giorgi Shetsiruli. The incident occurred while the crew was broadcasting live near the protest site on one of the streets leading to Rustaveli Avenue where anti-government protest was taking place. In the video footage from the scene, an unknown masked individual is seen sneaking up behind Maka Chikhladze, grabbing her, and throwing her to the ground. Cameraman Giorgi Shetsiruli was kicked in the head. The crew required medical assistance . “They took the microphone, took the camera, hit both of us, and shouted, ‘What are you reporting, you bastards?’ The police were standing right here, at this spot, when it happened. They failed to react and just walked away. We were attacked and beaten. They’re marauders in black masks,” said Maka Chikhladze.