As pressure mounts on the authorities in the face of growing attacks on journalists in the country, a Georgian cameraman, beaten up by far-right activists on the sidelines of protests against the holding of an LGBTQ march, is deceased, his employer announced on Sunday.

Alexander Lashkarava, 37, who worked for independent channel Pirveli, was found dead in his bed early on Sunday, the channel reported.

He was severely beaten on Monday by anti-LGBTQ protesters, suffering from multiple fractures to his face.

"Passive guilt"

More than 50 journalists were attacked the same day, while the LGBTQ march initially planned in the streets of the capital Tbilisi was finally canceled, for fear for the safety of the participants. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned the attacks, adding that journalists "suffered injuries including concussions, chemical burns and broken arms".

The NGO accused the authorities of "passive guilt" and considered that the police had failed in their duty to protect journalists.

The Georgian Interior Ministry said in a statement on Sunday that an investigation had been opened to determine the causes of the death of Alexander Lashkarava.

Human rights activists called for a demonstration on Sunday afternoon to call for the resignation of Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili.

"Riot police regularly target the press"

Several personalities and leaders of the world of television have accused the government of Irakli Garibashvili of orchestrating a violent campaign against journalists. “The government does not stop at encouraging violence against journalists, it is part of this violence,” said Pirveli editor-in-chief Nodar Meladze. "The government has set up violent groups that attack independent media," he said, adding that "riot police regularly target the press."

In June 2019, riot police injured around 40 journalists covering an anti-government protest.

The Georgian Prime Minister is the target of fierce criticism from both the opposition and human rights activists after taking a stand against the holding of the LGBTQ march, deeming it "unacceptable to a large part of the community. society ".

They blame the ruling Georgian Dream party for tacitly supporting nationalist and homophobic groups which have also organized several protests targeting pro-Western opposition parties.

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  • World

  • Lgbt

  • Journalist

  • Far right

  • Freedom of press

  • RSF

  • Georgia