Journalists accused of blocking sidewalks during protests in Tbilisi

Netgazeti journalist Mariam Dzidzaria and Mariam Kuprava of Tabula have been accused of blocking the sidewalk during daily protests outside the Georgian Parliament.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," on February 19, the 449th day of continuous protests outside the Georgian Parliament, activists filed a complaint with the Constitutional Court against legislative restrictions on freedom of assembly.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has filed administrative charges against employees of two publications. The charges relate to Netgazeti journalist Mariam Dzidzaria and Tabula journalist Mariam Kuprava.

Dzidzaria was at the "Saturday march of January 31." While covering the event, she wore a badge identifying her as a journalist, as well as a PRESS armband and camera. Tabula reports that Kuprava was also fulfilling professional obligations during the February 7 protest, Netgazeti writes.

The women face either a fine or 15 days of administrative arrest, the publication states.

Protesters in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners since November 28, 2024. Security forces violently dispersed the protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and detained protesters. Over 1,000 people were subjected to administrative prosecution during the protests. The "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a report "The Main Thing About the Persecution of Protest Participants in Georgia".