On the 602nd day of protests in Georgia, a journalist was arrested and an activist was beaten.

Comedian Onise Okriashvili, a participant in the protest actions, was beaten today near his home, and journalist Vako Sanaya from "Formula" was arrested for 14 days for statements against the speaker of the Parliament of Georgia on the 602nd day of daily protests.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", supporters of Georgia's Euro-integration on the 601st day of daily protests gathered at the parliament building, demanding the release of political prisoners and the repeal of repressive laws.

Today is the 602nd day of continuous protests on Rustaveli Avenue in the center of Tbilisi near the Parliament of Georgia. Participants in the actions demand the return of the country to a Euro-Atlantic course, the release of political prisoners, the repeal of repressive mechanisms, and the conduct of elections in a free and fair environment, writes Publika.

The comedian was attacked

Three people confronted comedian Onise Okriashvili near his home and physically assaulted him.
Onise is being taken to the Hechikashvili clinic, reports photojournalist Giorgi Mosiashvili.

"He has no serious injuries," Netgazeti quotes Okriashvili's friend.

According to photographer Mosiashvili's report from the action at the parliament, Okriashvili was present there today.

The journalist was arrested for words against Papuashvili

The Tbilisi City Court today sentenced journalist Vako Sanaya to 14 days of administrative arrest for a post on social media regarding the chairman of the parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, and deputy Vladimir Bozhadze.

The corresponding decision was made by Judge Zviad Tsekava.

A representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia's Hate Speech Prevention Department, Mariam Kereselidze, indicated that the request for arrest was related to the nature of the offense. "After reviewing the previous court decision, he published a post that also contained offensive statements. Accordingly, we believe that this indicates a disregard for the court's decision and a willingness to continue unlawful behavior. I want to note that Mr. Vakhtang Sanaya does not attend court hearings, does not pay the fines imposed by the court, and continues unlawful behavior alongside the court processes," she said, as quoted by "Interpressnews."

"The arrest of journalists for criticizing politicians is not law, but a manifestation of pure authoritarian paranoia!" writes the fifth president of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, on social media.

This opinion was also supported by the Association of Young Lawyers of Georgia.

"The imprisonment of well-known journalist and Formula TV employee Vako Sanaya for exercising the fundamental right to express an opinion occurs against the backdrop of a restrictive and repressive environment regarding the media. <... > The decision made by the court today is yet another clear example of the illegal restriction of citizens' expression in the public space, creating an atmosphere of censorship and self-censorship. It clearly contradicts constitutional and European standards in the field of human rights, which representatives of the 'Georgian Dream' and the Ministry of Internal Affairs deliberately distort and misrepresent. It is evident that mass, systemic control over freedom of expression is being carried out in forms, including based on such legislation that easily allows arbitrary application, can be equated to criminal liability, creates institutional mechanisms of systemic censorship, and ignores guarantees for the protection of freedom of expression," the organization stated in a publication.

Protesters in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners since November 28, 2024. Law enforcement has conducted harsh dispersals of protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and detaining protesters. During the protests, thousands of people have faced administrative prosecution. The "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a reference titled "Main points on the persecution of protest participants in Georgia".