Investigation Launched into Trialeti Case

A criminal case launched following the Trialeti TV journalist's complaint is being investigated by Shida Kartli regional prosecutor's office. On June 26, 2010 in the course of filming Stalin monument's dismantling in Gori a Trialeti TV journalist Lado Bichashvili was physically abused by some policemen dressed in civilian clothing and seized the video camera. Later on, according to the sufferer, the camera was given back to him by the regional police chief Vladimir Jugheli though with the footage deleted. The TV company appealed to the prosecutor's office for response and demanded the punishment of the policemen having abused the journalists and hindered their professional activities. Almost a month later Bichashvili was summoned at the prosecutor's office to give testimony.

Reporting to Medi.ge after leaving the prosecutor's office the journalist said the case was not going to linger the way it had been ahead of his interrogation. Bichashvili hopes the offenders will be held responsible against the law.

"The case was launched with my interrogation. We'll definitely keep an eye on the proceeding of the case. Hopefully the physical abuse against the journalist and interference into the professional activity won't be encouraged but followed by some kind of responsibility," Lado Bichashvili said.

On July 23 Trialeti TV cameraman Imeda Gogoladze was interrogated in regard to the same case.

According to the acting Criminal Code of Georgia the interference into journalist's professional activity is punishable by a prison term of up to two years.